MLS wrap: No goals in dour draws

Sporting Kansas City held the Philadelphia Union to a goalless draw and Real Salt Lake did likewise in Chicago in MLS on Wednesday.

The Union, who have not lost at home all season, dominated proceedings but could not find the finish to see off Kansas City, whose unbeaten run stretches to six matches.

Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen kept his side in the contest in the first half with a number of critical saves, including an excellent dive to his left to knock Carlos Ruiz’s free kick around the woodwork in the 29th minute.

Ruiz, back for the Union after missing a month of action due to CONCACAF Gold Cup duties with Guatemala, nearly came up big in the 72nd minute when he rose to meet Sebastien Le Toux’s cross, only for his header to hit the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Nielsen was on hand to punch away Justin Mapp’s attempt from point-blank range.

Nevertheless, the point takes the Union into a first-place tie with the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference. Both clubs are on 23 points after 15 games.

Sporting, despite not having lost since May 21, remain last in the East with 14 points from as many games.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire recorded their ninth draw in the last 11 games with a 0-0 result at home to Real Salt Lake.

Neither side made much of an impact in their attacking half at Toyota Park, with Real registering just two shots on goal in the first half and none in the second.

Fire custodian Sean Johnson made a point-blank save to deny Collen Warner in the 28th minute, in what would prove to be the visitors’ best chance of the night.

Real counterpart Nick Rimando came off his line to effect a big stop Marco Pappa on 78 minutes.

With the draw, Chicago remain sixth in the East with 16 points and are yet to lose under interim coach Frank Klopas.

Salt Lake are fourth in the Western Conference with 23 points from 14 games.