Real Salt Lake were unable to fashion a first-leg lead in their cagey MLS Western Conference semi-final against Los Angeles Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The Galaxy made a promising start when Robbie Keane took down a Robbie Rogers header before bringing a good save out of Nick Rimando.

Moments later, the hosts squandered a chance to score when Alvaro Saborio latched on to s Javier Morales cross, only to direct his header wide of goal.

Later in the first half, Gyasi Zardes thought that he had given Los Angeles the lead as his strike hit the back of the net, but his effort was deemed to have been from an offside position.

Real started the second period brightly and almost took the lead when Joao Plata brought a strong save out of Jaime Penedo.

Kyle Beckerman then tried to forge an opening on 54 minutes, but his shot was high and wide of the Galaxy goal.

Plata then had another effort saved by Penedo as Salt Lake went in search of a first-leg advantage to take to the return fixture in California, but both teams had to settle for a 0-0 draw.