Felipe Carballo's first MLS goal secured New York Red Bulls a 1-0 triumph over reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in the first match of their best-of-three series.

Carballo, on loan from Brazilian side Gremio, netted the only goal of the game in the 25th minute, volleying the ball beyond Patrick Schulte at Lower.com Field. 

It marked the Red Bulls' first win over Columbus in the postseason, with the Crew having won their previous four playoff meetings before Tuesday. 

But the visitors were indebted to their goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, who made eight saves throughout the contest to put the Red Bulls one game up ahead of the second leg.

The Crew mustered 15 shots, with eight on target, accumulating an expected goals (xG) total of 0.77, though the Red Bulls managed a 0.85 xG with only three attempts on target.

In the other playoff game, Jefferson Diaz converted the decisive spot-kick for Minnesota United as they came out 5-4 victors in a penalty shootout against Real Salt Lake. 

Diaz slotted home his penalty before Braian Ojeda struck the woodwork with Salt Lake's final effort, putting the Loons a game up in their best-of-three series. 

In an evenly contested affair at America First Field, chances were aplenty, with Kelvin Yeboah and Cristian Arango squandering the best opportunities for their sides. 

Minnesota and Salt Lake tied three times in the regular season, and again could not be separated after 90 minutes. 

Both teams missed in the third round of the shootout as Minnesota captain Michael Boxall and Salt Lake's Justen Glad failed to convert from 12 yards. 

But the Loons held their nerve, earning a vital victory in the first postseason encounter between the two sides.