Kévin Denkey’s goal in the 78th minute was enough for hosts FC Cincinnati to claim a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew in the opener of their Eastern Conference opening-round series on Monday.

Match 2 is Sunday in Columbus. A deciding match, if needed, will be on 8 November in Cincinnati.

No 2 seed Cincinnati were knocking on the door before the breakthrough against the seventh-seeded Crew.

Ender Echenique had a free run down the left channel and sent a ball to a marked Evander at the far post. He was able to get the ball in front where Denkey, who had 15 goals in the regular season, did not miss.

FC Cincinnati were comfortable with the lead, with 17 of their 21 MLS wins this season coming by one goal.

Cincinnati were the better side in the first half and were nearly rewarded with the lead in the first minute of stoppage time but Patrick Schulte’s fourth save was the difference.

After Denkey’s attempt from the top of the box was blocked, he gathered the ball and slipped it to his right to Brenner, who ripped a shot that Schulte got his right...