Jefferson Diaz scores the winning goal in the 5-4 shootout as Minnesota United defeats RSL in Game 1 of the MLS playoffs

SANDY, Utah – Jefferson Diaz scored the decisive goal in the 5:4 shootout Minnesota and Real Salt Lake played to a goalless draw in regulation time, and United beat RSL in the first game of a best-of-three series on Tuesday night.

It was Minnesota's first MLS Cup playoff win via a penalty shootout in club history. United can secure a place in the Western Conference semi-finals with another win over RSL on Saturday.

Diaz sent RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath the wrong way in the sixth and then Braian Ojeda's shot deflected off the crossbar.

Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair picked up his eighth goal of the season.

MacMath leapt left to parry Minnesota defender Michael Boxall in the third round of penalties, but RSL defender Justen Glad followed with a shot that sailed over the crossbar, keeping the score at 2.

MacMath guessed correctly in the fourth round, but Jeong Sang-Bin's shot went under him and into the net.

RSL's last home playoff loss came against Seattle in 2019.