The Vancouver Whitecaps' hopes of reaching the MLS playoffs remain in the balance going into the final game of the season after they were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Jose Earthquakes.
Erik Hurtado tried an ambitious effort for the home side in the early stages as he picked up the ball down the left, but his strike from an awkward angle went just over the bar.
They threatened again when Khari Stephenson collected the ball on the edge of the area and drilled an effort at goal, which was well held by David Ousted.
Chris Wondolowski should have fired the Earthquakes ahead just before the break as he latched onto Shea Salinas's cutback inside the box, but he was denied from close range by Ousted.
In the second half, Wondolowski was presented with another fine opportunity as he rose highest in the area to head Salinas's corner at goal, but he could not guide his effort on target.
San Jose's Yannick Djalo became the latest player to miss the target as he found space on the edge of the area, only to miscue his strike and send it over the bar.
The Whitecaps threatened on the break through Darren Mattocks as he raided into the box. The striker's left-footed shot struck Pablo Pintos and flew towards goal, but hit the side-netting to the relief of the Earthquakes.
Vancouver tried to find a late winner but were unable to break through the San Jose defence, meaning that they are one point ahead of Portland Timbers in fifth place of the Western Conference ahead of the last game.
Simon Sinclair
