Timbers, Whitecaps FC play to scoreless draw in Valeri's return

PORTLAND, Ore. - The return of Portland Timbers' Diego Valeri from an ACL injury was the highlight of the team's 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night.

Valeri, the Timbers' top goal-scorer for the last two seasons, has been out of action since tearing his left ACL on Oct. 25. Portland (2-3-4) has missed Valeri's touch this season, netting just seven goals in nine games.

In the first half, Vancouver defender Pa Modou Kah was called for a handball, but Darlington Nagbe's penalty kick attempt ricocheted off the base of the goalpost and bounced clear.

Saturday's draw moves Vancouver (5-3-2) into a tie with FC Dallas for first place in the Western Conference with 17 points.

Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted made one save in his fifth shutout of the season. Timbers keeper Adam Kwarasey made two saves to earn his fourth shutout.