The Columbus Crew began their playoff run Monday with the first match of their best-of-three series against FC Cincinnati. Neither side could manage to score until the 78th minute when Cincinnati’s Kevin Denky chipped a deflection into the Crew net from close range. Denky’s goal held up, giving the Orange and Blue a 1-0 win.

“We did a good game,” noted Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy. “It was a good game offensively and defensively. Not easy to play here. This is a really physical team, we know that. Yes, we didn’t attack the box as many as we can, but I felt that the game was a good game.”

Cincinnati dictated the pace of play, outshooting the Black & Gold 13-6 and recording twice as many shots on goal, 6-3. The Crew’s Max Arfsten had perhaps his team’s best opportunity to score when he hit Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano in the chest with a shot that caromed out of play at the 24′ mark.

“I think we had some good moments,” said Arfsten. “I know we didn’t have that many chances, but we had some good plays and stuff we worked on in training in terms of getting in those spots that I think we did do a good job of. Obviously, it wasn’t enough. You don’t get points for being almost good.”

The second match of the series is this Sunday at Lower.com with the kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. If Columbus wins, the series will go back to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati for the deciding match.