The Portland Timbers were made to rue their missed chances as they played out a goalless draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps in their MLS clash.
The visitors were the first team to threaten as Octavio Rivero managed to gather a loose ball on the edge of the box and fire a low effort at goal which was well saved by Adam Kwarasey.
Portland were handed the chance to take the lead when Pa Modou Kah handled the ball inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Darlington Nagbe took the spot kick, but saw his effort clatter off the post and bounce wide.
Nagbe almost atoned for his error when he raided down the right flank and crossed into the box for Maximiliano Urruti to head at goal, but the forward could only guide his effort over the crossbar.
The Timbers upped the ante just before the break when they won a corner from which Liam Ridgewell rose highest in the area, but he put his header wide.
In the second half, Portland continued to carve out chances and came close when Nagbe burst into the box, but saw his effort blocked. Jack Jewsbury picked up the rebound and fired at goal, only to see his strike saved by David Ousted.
Diego Valeri almost unlocked the Vancouver defence as he found space in the box to drill a low shot at goal, but his strike went inches past the post as the Timbers were forced to settle for a point.
Simon Sinclair
