Juninho missed a stoppage-time penalty as the Los Angeles Galaxy were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto Stadium.
Lightning close to the ground delayed kickoff for almost an hour, and when the match eventually got underway it was Salt Lake on top as Jaime Penedo made an early save to deny Jordan Allen.
Galaxy were forced onto the back foot for much of the first half, but chances were difficult to come by for the hosts after Allen's early opening.
However, it was Los Angeles who twice came close to breaking the deadlock before the break as Alan Gordon failed to convert after meeting a corner before Gyasi Zardes headed wide from close range.
Penedo came to the Galaxy's rescue once again early in the second half when he blocked a Devon Sandoval header after parrying an effort from Luke Mulholland.
Gordon could only head wide of the target after connecting with another Stefan Ishizaki corner, and the forward was left frustrated again moments later when his header was tipped over by Nick Rimando.
Alvaro Saborio created a chance for himself as Salt Lake pushed for a winner late on, but Penedo saved to keep out the Costa Rican.
There was still time for a late twist when Galaxy were handed the chance to collect all three points in stoppage time after Jamison Olave was adjudged to have fouled Omar Gonzalez inside the box.
However, Juninho was unable to capitalise as Rimando guessed correctly to save the penalty and secure a draw for the hosts.
Callum Mulvihill
