The Montreal Impact and Sporting Kansas City played out a 0-0 draw at the Saputo Stadium on Saturday, a result that extends Sporting's unbeaten streak to eight games.

Chances were at a premium for both sides, and after Graham Zusi went close with a shot from inside the penalty area for Sporting in the 12th minute, the visitors seemed plenty content with a point, which moves the club five points up on second-place Chicago at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Montreal needed all three points to keep its fading playoff hopes alive, and although the hosts generated a few more chances, they were unable to capitalize.

Justin Mapp went close for the Impact midway through the first half with a shot that curled narrowly wide of the left post from 20 yards.

The best opportunity for either side fell to Montreal's Davy Arnaud in the 68th minute when the ball dropped to the former Sporting man eight yards from goal. However, he dragged his shot wide.

One last effort from Montreal in stoppage time forced Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen into action, but he wasn't stressed too much as Matteo Ferrari's powerful header was turned straight at the keeper.