Justin Meram scored the quickest goal in MLS playoff history after his strike within nine seconds set Columbus Crew up for a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls in the first leg of their Eastern Conference final.
Straight from kickoff at the Mapfre Stadium in Ohio, Meram volleyed past Luis Robles from inside the area after a long ball into their box caused mayhem for the Red Bulls' defence.
The visitors sought a swift riposte, but it took 26 minutes for them to threaten, with Matt Miazga seeing a close-range header kept out by Steve Clark.
At the other end, Meram threatened again just before the break, but his curling effort from a difficult angle was tipped away by Robles.
New York came within inches of restoring parity early in the second period when Mike Grella headed a Sal Zizzo cross against the woodwork on 55 minutes.
Grella and Sacha Kljestan went close again shortly after the hour mark, before Kei Kamara doubled the hosts' advantage with five minutes to play by smashing home from close range.
Victory helped the Crew place one foot in the MLS Cup, where they could face Portland Timbers or FC Dallas if they safely negotiate the second leg next Sunday.
Shane Callaghan
