Commerce City, Colo. -- Pablo Mastroeni scored in the 23rd minute Thursday to give Colorado a 1-0 decision over Columbus in the opening leg of their playoff series.
It was the first post-season game of the year in Major League Soccer and Colorado will have the advantage to start when the teams meet in the second leg at Columbus on Nov. 6.
Mastroeni appeared in the 16th playoff game of his career, equaling the most in club history, and it was the first post-season goal for the Colorado captain.
The game's only goal came after Omar Cummings brought the ball down the right side and crossed into the box to Conor Casey.
Casey was well defended and he flicked the ball across the box to a wide open Mastroeni.
