🎥 Minnesota Utd beat RSL on penalties; NYRB stuns MLS Cup holders

There's more MLS Cup playoff action on Tuesday with two games across the United States.

Here's what happened in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Goalkeepers shine as Minnesota beats RSL on penalties

It was a game full of brilliant defense and heroic goalkeeping as the playoff opener between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United was decided on penalties.

However, the first 45 minutes were pretty dull between these two teams at America First Field. There were only four attempts, led by the guests (3:1). The second half brought the entertainment.

Thanks to the excellent defensive work, the game remained goalless. RSL and Minnesota United combined for 23 successful tackles, 38 clearances and 18 interceptions. Both Zac MacMath (seven saves) and Dayne St. Clair (five) were crucial until the end.

Diego Luna and Cristian Arango led the hosts' attack while Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi led the way for the visitors. In truth, it was the Loons who missed a better attempt to break the stalemate.

The game then went to penalties where MacMath saved Michael Boxall before Justen Glad fired his shot over the bar.

Minnesota United ended up winning after Braian Ojeda hit the crossbar and now have a chance to follow up with a home win in their second game.

NYRB stuns the reigning champions

scorer: Carbaro 25′

Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew endured a rocky start to the playoffs after the New York Red Bulls escaped with a 1-0 victory.

It was a fast-paced game in which both sides tried to find a breakthrough. And even though it looked like it would end up in the hands of the hosts, Lower.com Field was stunned.

Midfielder Felipe Carballo was lucky to be in the right place at the right time as the 28-year-old volleyed past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte from a corner for his first MLS goal.

At half time the crew were rightly under pressure and increased the pressure. They have scored the most goals by a substitute in the entire MLS (12) and are pushing for an equalizer.

Cucho Hernandez pushed the attack and thought he had conceded a penalty, but the claims fell on deaf ears. Mo Farsi and Aziel Jackson also saw their overlapping runs cause problems for the NYRB.

However, the guests had better chances to score despite only having 24% of the ball. Lewis Morgan tried one-on-one with Schulte before Cameron Harper pushed a shot wide.

Two late attempts from Jacen Russell-Rowe then failed and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a huge save in the final moments to decide the game.

The result means NYRB could eliminate the Crew in Game 2 in New York.

Photo credits of the article: © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images