Columbus Crew's Bryan Carroll, left, and Real Salt Lake's Robbie Findley battle in MLS action Saturday. (George Frey/Associated Press)Robbie Findley scored in the 88th minute to give Real Salt Lake a 1-0 win over the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew on Saturday in the first leg of the two-game playoff series.
Yura Movsisyan corralled the ball following a throw-in and sent a cross toward the right post. Findley rushed to the ball, slid and threaded it perfectly between Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer and the post.
The Crew, a two-time Supporters' Shield winner, is the third straight opponent Salt Lake has held scoreless at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Real Salt Lake, which went 9-1-5 at home this season, shut out New York and Colorado to clinch a playoff spot for the second consecutive season.
The second leg will be in Columbus on Nov. 5.
© The Canadian Press, 2009
