Former Premier League stars Steven Gerrard and Didier Drogba were unable to inspire their sides to victory as the Los Angeles Galaxy were held to a goalless draw against Montreal Impact.
Drogba played his first road game for the Impact on Saturday and he looked like he might depart after hobbling off the field just before half-time.
But the former Chelsea hero returned in the second half and came closest to scoring for Montreal in a largely uneventful game at the StubHub Centre.
The draw leaves the Galaxy tied with FC Dallas for second place with 47 points in the Western Conference.
FC Dallas remained in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield as a stunning pair of goals from Tesho Akindele and Michel sealed a 2-1 win over New York City FC.
Akindele waited until just before the half-time whistle to beat Jason Hernandez in a one-on-one before blasting the ball into the top corner to give Dallas the lead.
Remarkably, there was still time before the break for Brazilian midfielder Michel to curl a bending drive beyond New York goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
The visitors did halve the deficit from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, substitute Patrick Mullins converting a spot-kick after Atiba Harris fouled Ned Grabavoy in the box, but Dallas held on for the win.
Oscar Pareja's men are now just a point behind Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps with 47 points from 27 matches.
Top-scorer Kei Kamara brought up his 20th goal of the season as Columbus Crew downed Philadelphia Union 2-1.
The Sierra Leone striker broke the deadlock with a diving header in the 21st minute and doubled up with a shot that sneaked just inside a post five minutes later.
CJ Sapong replied for Philadelphia midway through the second half, but it acted as mere consolation.
Obafemi Martins reached the 12-goal mark for only the second time in his career to rescue a 1-1 draw for Seattle Sounders against San Jose Earthquakes at the Avaya Stadium.
Fatai Alashe had boosted San Jose into the lead with a header on 70 minutes but former Inter Milan striker Martins hit back 12 minutes later, grabbing the leveller with his left boot.
Real Salt Lake are tied with Houston Dynamo on 35 points apiece after the Utah franchise ran out 3-1 winners in Texas.
Javier Morales and Devon Sandoval scored either side of the break for Salt Lake, with Brad Davis' penalty slashing the gap until Juan Manuel Martinez made the visitors' points safe.
Elsewhere, Bobby Burling and Steve Birnbaum exchanged goals as Colorado Rapids drew 1-1 with DC United in the Eastern Conference.