New England Revolution and DC United played out a goalless draw in their MLS Eastern Conference clash at the Gillette Stadium.
The hosts started well and could have been ahead in the 18th minute when Lee Nguyen picked up a loose ball in the penalty area, but he fired his shot just over the bar.
United hit back with a chance of their own as Chris Pontius drilled a low shot from the right towards the bottom corner, but Bobby Shuttleworth stuck out a foot and turned it behind.
Just before the break, United keeper Bill Hamid kept the scores level with a brilliant point-blank save from Juan Carlos Toja as he beat his powerful effort over the bar.
After half time, Revolution were denied the lead by the woodwork as Chris Tierney cut inside on his right foot when a corner broke down and drilled an effort at goal, which smacked the near post and was cleared.
New England were enduring a frustrating game and they were further denied a lead when Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe saw late efforts saved by Hamid, as United earned themselves an away point.
Simon Sinclair
