In the opening matches of the MLS playoff best-of-three series, FC Cincinnati and Minnesota United both secured crucial 1-0 victories over their respective opponents, giving them early leads in their Eastern and Western Conference matchups. These tightly contested games set the stage for intense second legs, with Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders looking to bounce back on their home turf.
### FC Cincinnati Takes Narrow Lead Over Columbus Crew
On Monday night, FC Cincinnati hosted the Columbus Crew in the first game of their Eastern Conference opening-round series and emerged with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The winning goal came late in the match, in the 78th minute, courtesy of striker Kévin Denkey, whose clinical finish proved decisive in a closely fought contest.
Denkey, who had an impressive regular season tally of 15 goals, capitalized on a well-crafted attacking move. Ender Echenique made a dynamic run down the left flank and delivered a precise ball to Evander, who was closely marked at the far post. Evander skillfully directed the ball to Denkey, who was perfectly positioned to slot it home. This goal underscored Cincinnati’s patient approach, as the team had been knocking persistently on the door before finally breaking through.
Throughout the match, FC Cincinnati demonstrated composure and control, particularly after taking the lead. Their track record this season of winning by a single goal—17 of their 21 wins came with a one-goal margin—was evident as they managed the game effectively to hold onto the advantage.
In the first half, Cincinnati looked the stronger side and nearly scored in stoppage time before halftime. Denkey unleashed a shot from the top of the box that was blocked, but he quickly recovered the ball and passed it to Brenner, who fired a powerful shot that Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte managed to tip over the crossbar for a corner. Schulte, noted for his potential to be the third goalkeeper for the United States in the 2026 World Cup, had an impressive early showing despite an otherwise inconsistent regular season. He made several key saves, including a remarkable double save in the 14th minute, denying shots from Evander and Samuel Gidi in quick succession.
Columbus struggled to create clear chances, managing only one shot on target in the first half when Max Arfsten broke free behind the defense but couldn’t get past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Celentano, who finished with three saves, played a solid game to keep Columbus in contention.
Diego Rossi, Columbus’ leading scorer with 16 goals during the regular season, started the match despite doubts over a hamstring injury but was substituted after 75 minutes. The second game of the series will take place on Sunday in Columbus, with a potential deciding match scheduled for November 8 in Cincinnati if needed.
### Minnesota United Edges Seattle Sounders in Penalty Shootout Thriller
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference playoff opener, Minnesota United edged out the Seattle Sounders in a tense penalty shootout after a scoreless draw on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota. The game was a defensive battle, with neither side able to find the back of the net during regulation time.
The match featured some dramatic moments during the shootout. Minnesota’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, one of the finalists for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, was the hero for the home side. He saved a crucial penalty kick from Seattle’s Alex Roldan, shifting momentum in Minnesota’s favor. Seattle also had some bad luck, with Cristian Roldan’s penalty attempt hitting the crossbar and Danny Leyva’s shot striking the left post.
Despite Seattle’s dominance in ball possession, holding 64% of the time, and having a 15-11 edge in shots, they were unable to convert any opportunities. Minnesota’s defense and St. Clair’s goalkeeping were key to keeping the Sounders at bay.
Throughout the match, St. Clair was called into action multiple times. He made a diving save on a shot from Cristian Roldan in the 54th minute and later denied substitute Danny Musovski twice, once from close range in the 80th minute and again in stoppage time when Musovski’s header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Seattle started the match strong, taking a 10-8 shot advantage in the first half, but Minnesota had more attempts on target, 4 to 2. One of Minnesota