Houston Dynamo and Chicago Fire have both missed the opportunity to gain real ground on Eastern Conference leaders DC United after playing out a goalless draw at Robertson Stadium.
Both sides had two games in hand on the Washington franchise at the start of play but, following this disappointing event, they sit nine and five points respectively below the summit.
The visitors should be the happier of the two teams to receive a point. Marco Pappa's tame effort in the 12th minute was his side's only shot on target during the entire game.
Despite bossing possession, Dynamo only worked the opposition goalkeeper twice - once with real conviction.
Adam Moffat produced the best effort of the match nine minutes from time, but his fierce right-footed shot from 10 yards was expertly tipped wide by the underworked Sean Johnson.
