MLS Game Summary - Vancouver at Portland

Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC played to an entertaining scoreless draw at Providence Park on Saturday in the latest installment of the Cascadia rivalry.

Vancouver has been the in-form squad for the first two-plus months of the season, but were looking for a bounce-back effort after a 2-1 loss to D.C. United and they had to do it without midfielder Matias Laba, who was unavailable due to suspension.

Portland came into the match looking to take three points after suffering a 1-0 loss to fellow Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC last weekend, but were largely wasteful with their chances and had to settle for a point.

The best chance for either side came in the 29th minute when Vancouver defender Pa Modou Kah was whistled for a hand ball in the penalty area, resulting in a spot kick for the Timbers.

Darlington Nagbe stepped up to take and ripped it low to the right, but smashed it off the post as the chance went begging.

Just moments later the Timbers had another golden opportunity when Max Urruti found some space in the box and got a free header away from eight yards out but it flew over the bar.

The home faithful got a boost in the 52nd minute when playmaker Diego Valeri came on as a substitute looking to influence the match in his team's favor.

But neither side could find a dramatic winner through four minutes of added time and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.