Seattle Sounders have been held to a goalless draw in the first leg of their playoff match at home to Real Salt Lake.

The hosts could have been ahead after only three minutes but Osvaldo Alonso was denied by Nick Rimando from 25 yards out.

Seattle dominated the first half and were again frustrated before the break by Rimando after the goalkeeper kept out Jhon Kennedy Hurtado's header.

Salt Lake came into the game in the second period, with Nat Borchers heading over from close range just moments after the interval.

Rimando's form continued and he ensured that his side avoided defeat by producing a superb save to keep out Christan Tiffert's effort.