Minnesota United earned its fifth result in the last six MLS matches, but the scoreless draw at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday wasn’t enough on its own for the Loons to clinch a MLS Cup Playoffs spot.

MNUFC (13-12-7, 46 points) has still has never won (0-2-5) in MLS play at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. RSL (14-10-8, 53 points) has had three straight draws.

The game didn’t have any goals, but it had late drama.

Loons captain Michael Boxall does not get overly animated during matches, but he was livid after Brayan Vera spit in his direction. Boxall charged after Vera and players on both teams got in a skirmish.

Vera was sent off with a yellow card and faces a longer suspension for the act. Boxall was issued a yellow card and due to yellow-card accumulation faces a suspension for Saturday’s match at Vancouver. Given replays showing the spitting, MNUFC might look to get the yellow card rescinded.

MNUFC could have clinched a berth in MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday with a win or an FC Dallas lose/draw at San Jose Earthquakes. Dallas and San Jose were tied, 1-1, at halftime in California when this edition went to press.

MNUFC’s offense was quiet in the first half, with only two total shots and none on target. The best chance came from center back Carlos Harvey in the 28th minute, not the most likely shooter for the Loons, but his attempt hit the side netting.

Cristian Arango, who came into the game with 17 goals, had the best chance of the first half, but Dayne St. Clair denied it.

The Loons used the same starting XI as the 3-0 win over Colorado on Saturday: Kelvin Yeboah, Robin Lod, Joaquin Pereyra, Wil Trapp, Hassani Dotson, Joseph Rosales, Jefferson Diaz, Michael Boxall, Carlos Harvey,  Bongi Hlongwane, and Dayne St. Clair.

Pereyra was subbed out at halftime after an underwhelming 45-minute shift. One of the Loons new Designated Players has not had a huge impact through five games in MLS.

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