Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers played out an entertaining goalless draw in their MLS clash at the PPL Park.
The Timbers started brightly and almost took the lead in the 22nd minute when Ryan Johnson raided forward, but Union keeper Zac MacMath made a good sliding stop.
Portland continued to threaten and this time Jack Jewsbury was unlucky not to find the net, as he latched onto a ball into the area and slid to make contact but saw his effort clatter off the post and go behind.
At the other end, Donovan Ricketts needed to make a fine diving save to stop Danny Cruz's low effort from finding the bottom corner.
After the break MacMath was called back into the action, this time to make a great reaction stop from a Diego Valeri effort from close range.
Again at the other end Ricketts kept his side in the game as he tipped a volley from Conor Casey over the bar when his shot looked destined to find the top corner.
Late in the game, Philadelphia almost found a winner as a low shot from Leonardo Fernandes beat the outstretched hand of Ricketts, but it hit the post and bounced clear.
Simon Sinclair
