MLS Cup Playoffs: Crew, Five Stripes, Timbers Take Series Openers; SKC Gain Series-Opening Road Draw With RSL

The quarterfinal round of the MLS Cup Playoffs commenced on Sunday with four games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Columbus, Ohio:

Gyasi Zardes scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute as the Columbus Crew defeated the visiting New York Red Bulls 1-0 in the opening contest of their conference semifinal series, which will conclude next Sunday at Harrison, New Jersey (4:30 PM Pacific Time, Fox Sports One).

At New York:

Eric Remedi scored the game's lone goal in the 37th minute as Atlanta United upended New York City 1-0 on the road in the opening match of their conference semifinal series, which will conclude in Atlanta next Sunday (2:00 PM Pacific Time, ESPN).



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Portland, Oregon:

Diego Valeri assisted on goals scored by Jeremy Ebobisse (17') and Sebastian Blanco (29') as the Portland Timbers came from behind to upend the visiting Seattle Sounders 2-1 in game one of their conference semifinal series.

Raul Rudidiaz scored what might be a precious road goal for the Sounders in the 10th minute.

The series is set to come to a close in Seattle on Thursday night at 7:30 PM Pacific Time (Fox Sports One).

At Sandy, Utah:

Diego Rubio's equalizer in the 60th minute lifted Sporting Kansas City to a 1-1 conference semifinal series-opening 1-1 road draw with Real Salt Lake.

Albert Rusnak scored for the hosts in the 51st minute.

The series is set to conclude at Kansas City, Kansas on Sunday at 12:00 Noon (ESPN).