David Ousted heroics denies Portland Timbers advantage

Vancouver Whitecaps held Portland Timbers to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Eastern Conference playoff semi-final at Providence Park this morning.

A cagey first half almost exploded into life on 39 minutes when Jake Gleeson saved well from Gershon Koffie, who took aim from some 12 yards out.

The hosts began the half on top and Fanendo Adi was kept out well by David Ousted on 54 minutes, before Darlington Nagbe fired over minutes later as Portland grew on top.

Ousted lived up to his surname again on 72 minutes when the visitors' keeper denied Diego Valeri's curling free kick with a neat fingertip save.

Caleb Porter's side then came within the width of the post from snatching a first-leg lead when Maximiliano Urruti - who replaced Adi - saw his effort cannon off the woodwork late on as both sides shared the spoils.