Toronto FC plays to scoreless draw in Cincinnati in 1st game under head coach Herdman

Toronto FC, showing signs of new life under head coach John Herdman, gave supporters something to cheer about in a 0-0 draw with hometown FC Cincinnati in the teams' MLS season opener Sunday.

The game at TQL Stadium was a first-against-worst matchup. But Toronto did not look outmatched against a side that finished 47 points above it last season. Cincinnati won the Supporters' Shield with a league-best 20-5-9 record while Toronto (4-20-10) was mired at the bottom of the table.

The gap in the standings was not evident as TFC started well, stroking the ball around confidently. But Cincinnati came on in latter stages of the first half, showing speed on the counter-attack after Toronto turnovers.

When Cincinnati threatened, goalkeeper Sean Johnson was up to the challenge and was rewarded with his 100th career shutout.

Toronto was without injured forwards Deandre Kerr and Jordan Perruzza, newly signed defender Nickseon Gomis and top draft pick Tyrese Spicer, who was with TFC II to get some playing time after being sidelined by a toe injury.

Fullback Richie Laryea, reacquired this week in a transfer from England's Nottingham Forest, and newly signed centre back Kevin Long both started. Prince Owusu got the start at forward between Italian stars Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne.

Long lined up between Raoul Petretta and Shane O'Neill, who won kudos from Herdman during the pre-season, in a back three. Honduran international Deybi Flores, another newcomer, started in midfield.

For Cincinnati, the home opener fell in the middle of its Champions Cup tie with Jamaica's Cavalier FC. Cincinnati won 2-0 in Jamaica on Thursday and is hosting the return leg Wednesday.

The game marked 2023 MVP Luciano (Lucho) Acosta's 100th as