Nashville SC missed an opportunity to close the gap in Major League Soccer’s playoff race in a stalemate 0-0 draw with Minnesota United.

Alex Muyl and Alan Winn spurned golden chances to claim all three points for the Tennessee-based outfit ahead against a Minnesota side that have won only one of their last six matches.

Fans returned to Nissan Stadium for the first time since February and Nashville almost gave their supporters a goal to cheer when Derrick Jones dragged a fifth-minute attempt off the outside of the post.

Ethan Finlay threatened for the Loons, lashing off target from the edge of the penalty box, but the visitors’ goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair kept United level with a point-blank save from Muyl at close range.

Adrian Heath’s side upped the tempo after the interval with Emanuel Reynoso firing over before Finlay finally recorded the away side’s first shot on target on 65 minutes but could not convert a close-range dink.

Only Cincinnati has scored fewer goals than Nashville this season and their profligacy cost them, as substitute Winn squandered a chance to net a winner when clean through on goal with an embarrassing air shot.

A share of the points means Nashville climb to eighth in the Eastern Conference, while Minnesota's third straight clean sheet keeps them fourth in the West.