Rapids open MLS playoffs beating Columbus

The Colorado Rapids opened the 2010 MLS playoffs in style with a 1-0 home win over the Columbus Crew in the opening leg of the series.  It marked the Rapids first MLS playoff win in four years and puts all the pressure on the Crew heading back to Ohio next weekend.

It was veteran Pablo Mastroeni that scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute of play.  Mastroeni, the only player remaining from the club's last playoff appearance in 2006, finished a cross from Omar Cummings.   "To be honest, I just took a gamble on the play," Mastroeni said. "I made a chance run to the box, happened to get the ball and buried it."

After the game Colorado rued the score should have been worse.  The Rapids missed chances to take a bigger lead. They had a 10-1 shot advantage in the first half and the Columbus defenders blocked six shots.

Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum made his MLS debut, replacing William Hesmer, who broke his shoulder in a 3-1 win at Philadelphia in the regular-season finale Sunday.  Even though the Crew were unable to tie the match in the 2nd half, keeping it to 1-0 gives them solid hope heading home.