Real Salt Lake 1,

Columbus 0

SANDY, Utah -- Robbie Findley scored in the 88th minute to give Real Salt Lake a 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 Thursday.

Playoff glance

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Semifinals

Columbus vs. Real Salt Lake

Saturday, Oct. 31: Real Salt Lake 1, Columbus 0, Real Salt Lake leads 1-0

Thursday, Nov. 5: Real Salt Lake at Columbus, 6 p.m.

Chicago vs. New England

Sunday, Nov. 1: Chicago at New England, noon

Saturday, Nov. 7: New England at Chicago, 6:30 p.m.

Championship

Thursday, Nov. 12: TBD

Saturday, Nov. 14: TBD

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Semifinals

Los Angeles vs. Chivas USA

Sunday, Nov. 1: Los Angeles at Chivas USA, 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8: Chivas USA at Los Angeles, 5:30 p.m.

Houston vs. Seattle

Thursday, Oct. 29: Houston 0, Seattle 0, tie

Sunday, Nov. 8: Seattle at Houston, 1 p.m.

Championship

Thursday, Nov. 12: TBD

Saturday, Nov. 14: TBD

MLS Cup

Sunday, Nov. 22: at Seattle, 6:30 p.m.