The Vancouver Whitecaps earned a vital point for their MLS playoff hopes as they drew 0-0 with DC United.

The visitors started the game well and Taylor Kemp forced David Ousted into action, as he drilled a powerful shot at goal from distance which the keeper took two attempts to gather.

Vancouver should have taken the lead in the 31st minute when Pedro Morales whipped a dangerous cross into the box, but Kendall Watson somehow put his header wide from two yards out.

United hit back with a good chance of their own as Fabian Espindola beat his man in midfield and unleashed a vicious effort from 25 yards that was well tipped over by Ousted.

Espindola had an even better chance minutes later when he was played through down the left, but with Ousted closing in on him, he could only lift his chipped effort over the bar from a tight angle.

At the other end, Bill Hamid made an excellent save to deny Darren Mattocks, whose powerful shot seemed destined for the top corner before the keeper palmed his effort over.

Hamid was tested again shortly after as Morales drove into the area from the right and fired a low effort at goal that the keeper did well to hold, with Mattocks lurking nearby.

The Whitecaps were beginning to up the ante and came close again when Russell Teibert fired a cross to the near post, but Jordan Harvey directed his diving header just wide.

Both sides pushed for a winner late on but were unable to break the deadlock and settled for a point apiece.