Real Salt Lake have missed the chance to take advantage of San Jose Earthquakes' slip-up at Portland Timbers, as they were held to a goalless draw by Seattle Sounders.
The Utah side enjoyed 65% of ball possession during the game, but they struggled to break down their opponents' resolute defence.
When they did breach the Seattle back line, they found goalkeeper Bryan Meredith to be in equally defiant mood.
Meredith did well to block Kyle Beckerman's stinging long-range effort in the first half and then denied Alvaro Saborio when clean through on goal after the break.
Seattle almost snatched an undeserved victory in stoppage time, but an unmarked Eddie Johnson headed wide following Marc Burch's whipped free kick.
Salt Lake remain second in the Western Conference, while Seattle have dropped a place to fourth below Vancouver Whitecaps.
Robert Summerscales
