Austin FC traveled to Lumen Field on Sunday evening and battled to a 0-0 draw with the Supporters' Shield-leading Seattle Sounders, reinforcing confidence as MLS readies for a multi-week break for the June international window.

Seattle appeared to break the deadlock in the 75th minute when Fredy Montero bashed home Joao Paulo's back post service. The Brazilian midfielder dribbled past two Austin defenders until sending a low cross from the left wing. However, the Colombian forward's goal was overturned on Video Review after head referee Rosendo Mendoza reviewed the buildup. Raul Ruidaz was ruled to be offside on the initial cross, preserving the 0-0 scoreline heading into the final stages of the game.

Austin's best chance arose in the 71st minute mostly through Jared Stroud, but Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made some big plays to save the winger's shot. Following Seattle's midfield turnover, he was played through by Jon Gallagher on the right, and the visitors swooped quickly on a counter-attack.

The Western Conference teams combined for only five shots on goal (26 total), with blocks and final-third gaffes keeping the game scoreless. Cristian Roldan and Cecilio Dominguez led their teams in shots, but neither could find the back of the net.

The Sounders are compelled to all be frustrated after drawing at home in the previous two weeks, first with Atlanta United, and now with Austin. They've built a top spot in the Western Conference, but head coach Brian Schmetzer expects more than two points out of a possible six points from this stretch. Austin, on the other hand, will be overjoyed with a hard-earned point from their seventh straight road game to begin the season.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Alejandro Sanchez]