A drab game at the Jeld-Wen Field saw Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew play out an uninspiring goalless draw.
First-half opportunities were few and far between as defences were very much on top. Darlington Nagabe and Kris Boyd both had efforts blocked as they tried in vain to breach the Columbus defence.
Portland came out a different side after the break and attempted to force the issue. Boyd brought a decent save from Andy Greunebaum after 52 minutes before heading wide from Frank Songo'o's cross in the 68th minute.
Greunebaum was called into action once more in the 82nd minute, saving well down to his left when Boyd met Jack Jewsbury's cross with his head.
Despite the Scot's best efforts, he could not muster a goal and the scoresheet remained blank.