The Portland Timbers missed the chance to put pressure on the Vancouver Whitecaps in the race for the final playoff spot in the MLS Western Conference as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Real Salt Lake.
The visitors threatened early on as a loose ball fell to Luis Gil just outside the penalty area, and his deflected shot went inches past the post.
Portland hit back and only keeper Nick Rimando prevented them from taking the lead as Diego Valeri released Diego Chara down the right. The midfielder had Rodney Wallace unmarked in the box but Rimando did well to cut out the cross, and then saved Wallace's effort on the rebound.
At the other end, Timbers keeper Donovan Ricketts then produced an outstanding save to deny Robbie Findley as his header from close range almost found the bottom corner, but Ricketts managed to get down low to turn the ball away.
In the second half, Portland upped the ante and Darlington Nagbe found space inside the box to tee up Valeri, but his effort from a tight angle flashed across the face of goal and went wide.
The Timbers were denied a certain goal as Norberto Paparatto powered a header at goal from Valeri's corner, but Gil managed to clear his effort off the line with his thigh to save the visitors.
Salt Lake threatened late in the game down the right flank when Javier Morales whipped a cross into the box and Alvaro Saborio hit a first-time shot, which went inches over the crossbar.
Portland pushed to try to find a winner, but were held to the goalless draw leaving their playoff hopes in the balance.
Simon Sinclair
