The Vancouver Whitecaps moved top of MLS despite being held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Toronto FC.

The spoils were shared at BMO Field, where the Whitecaps dropped points for a second game running after failing to score for the first time this season.

Mathias Laborda and J.C. Ngando both fired narrowly off target during the first half for the visitors, while Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a fine save to deny Emmanuel Sabbi after the break.

The hosts, who were looking to snap a four-game losing streak, suffered a blow in the 53rd minute when leading scorer Deandre Kerr was forced off through injury.

Nevertheless, they went close to snatching the lead when Deybi Flores headed straight at Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka from Federico Bernardeschi's free-kick.

The Caps turned up the pressure later on with Ranko Veselinovic forcing a smart save from Johnson, before volleying over soon after, but no breakthrough arrived.

Though Vancouver climbed above the Philadelphia Union, they will relinquish top spot if the latter avoid defeat against Inter Miami later on Saturday.

Data Debrief: Toronto stop the rot

Though Toronto's search for a first win under new coach Robin Fraser continues, they did record their first clean sheet in 13 MLS matches.

But the Reds have now failed to win any of their last 11 games during the regular season, and have not beaten Vancouver on home soil since 2020. They only registered 0.77 expected goals in this one, showing their attacking threat was limited.

The Caps, who had an xG of 1.15, are unbeaten in eight meetings between the sides, but have not won an away game against a team from the Eastern Conference since beating Toronto in September 2023.