In brief: Sounders, Chivas finish scoreless

Soccer: Sounders FC earned its first shutout in five MLS games, but a day of missed opportunities on offense resulted in a disappointing 0-0 tie Saturday against Chivas USA.

Seattle, which has lost just one league game since May 25, had a great chance at a goal in the 77th minute. Defender James Riley floated a cross to the back post, where midfielder Alvaro Fernandez seemed destined to slam it in, but Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy came up with a huge point-blank save.

In the 89th minute, Sounders FC midfielder Lamar Neagle appeared to be fouled in the penalty box, but referee Kevin Stott waved off the penalty-kick appeals.

Fernandez had earlier missed a penalty kick in the first half.

The Sounders (11-5-9) had won their past three games at home and are on a 7-1-4 run in MLS play.

Playing in front of 36,364 fans, Seattle had a multitude of scoring chances throughout the game. Veteran forward Pat Noonan had a shot heading toward an open goal in the 50th minute, but Kennedy raced back to clear it off the line.

Moments later, Fredy Montero drove a low shot wide of the goal in the 52nd minute.

The Sounders earned a penalty kick in the 19th minute when Chivas USA defender Michael Umana committed a handball in the penalty box, but Fernandez fired a driven shot off the post that bounced off the back of Kennedy and out of play.

Saturday kicked off a run of six games for Seattle in 18 days over three different competitions – MLS, U.S. Open, CONCACAF Champions League.

Seattle Times

WR Orton signs with Broncos

Football: Wide receiver Greg Orton, who has been with the Spokane Shock most of the last two seasons, has signed with the Denver Broncos.

Orton had landed a spot on UFL Omaha’s roster, but he’s now a member of the Broncos, who are battling injuries at the receiver position. Orton was in training camp with Cincinnati in 2009. He had 112 receptions for 1,484 yards and 34 touchdowns for Spokane this season.

Orton joins former Shock teammates Laupepa Letuli (Dallas) and Ayanga Okpokowurk (New York Giants) in the NFL.

Shock offensive lineman Chris Pino has signed with UFL Omaha.

Jim Meehan