2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 1
Orlando City SC vs. Real Salt Lake
Exploria Stadium – Orlando
February 29 – 6:00 PM ET
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada
The Oscar Pareja era begins for Orlando City SC, who host Real Salt Lake at Exploria Stadium Saturday night.
Can this finally be the year the Lions roar into the MLS Cup Playoffs? The belief is there under former FC Dallas boss Pareja, who returns to MLS after a short stint in charge of Club Tijuana in Liga MX. The emphasis in the offseason was on shoring up the defense and the club brought in likely No. 1 goalkeeper Pedro Gallese as well as Brazilian center back Antonio Carlos, while Nani and Mauricio Pereyra look to combine on an attack that struggled to score consistently a year ago.
Pareja isn't the only new coach on the sideline Saturday night. The interim tag has been lifted for Freddy Juarez, who returns a dynamic attack that includes Albert Rusnak, Damir Kreilach, Corey Baird and Jeizon Ramirez, the replacement for Jefferson Savarino. But gone is legendary goalkeeper Nick Rimando to retirement, so Zac MacMath is poised to fill some very large shoes.
Orlando vs. Real Salt Lake
Saturday, February 29 at 6:00 PM ET
Exploria Stadium
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Dom Dwyer (F) - lower back
- Suspended: Nani (F)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Sam Johnson (F) - knee injury
- Suspended: Everton Luiz (M)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Orlando City SC
- Orlando City SC: 1 win, 5 goals
- Real Salt Lake: 0 wins, 3 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: Rubiel Vazquez
- Assistant Referees: Andrew Bigelow, Benjamin Hall-Volpenhein
- 4th Official: Marcos de Oliveira
- VAR: Sorin Stoica
