Toronto FC held to goalless draw vs. Real Salt Lake in 2017 debut

Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC kicked off their respective 2017 MLS seasons with a 0-0 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium, with neither side capable of delivering a finishing blow over the course of 90 minutes.

The Reds crafted a number of chances, but none truly tested Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, with misses the clear theme from both teams in this tilt.

Jozy Altidore and Joao Plata found opportunities behind opposition defensive lines in either half, but neither attacker managed to turn their chance into a goal.

Toronto's best look came in the first half, when Sebastian Giovinco was awarded a penalty, but the Atomic Ant opted to shoot to his now-expected left. That was what Rimando was hoping for, and he made a big save to deny the Italian from the spot.

As the game wore on, a touch of fatigue set in, and Greg Vanney introduced new signing Victor Vazquez into the match with half an hour remaining. The Spanish midfielder quickly asserted himself with a long pass finding Giovinco out wide on the left. But he failed to convert the effort into a goal.

"It's never an easy place to come, the altitude, the field," Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley told TSN's sideline reporter at Rio Tinto Stadium after the match.

"I thought the mentality of the team was good and we'll continue to get better and sharper as we go."