Portland Timbers have become the first Western Conference team to confirm their place in the MLS playoffs despite being held to a goalless draw at home to Real Salt Lake.

It was a nervy affair at Jeld-Wen Field with few clear-cut chances for either side.

Nick Rimando was busy late on, though, to deny Frederic Piquionne, Will Johnson and Salvatore Zizzo snatching all three points.

A win against Chivas USA will almost certainly see the first-placed Timbers progress as divisional winners, depending on the result between Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes later on today.

Meanwhile, Jason Kreis's men have have one foot in the end-of-season showdown with six points separating them and the Earthquakes with just Chivas left to play.

The Earthquakes take on FC Dallas in their final fixture on October 26.