Philadelphia beat New England in MLS playoffs opener

The Philadelphia Union opened the first round of Major League Soccer's playoffs with a convincing 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday in game one of their best-of-three series.

MLS has introduced a three-game series format into the opening round of the playoffs this season with penalty shootouts to determine a winner if the games end level.

But Philadelphia, which lost in last year's MLS Cup final to Los Angeles FC, made sure of victory with a strong first-half display.

Hungarian attacking midfielder Daniel Gazdag put the Union on their way, converting a 19th-minute penalty after New England goalkeeper Jacob Jackson brought down Julian Carranza.

Danish forward Mikael Uhre doubled the advantage in the 26th minute after Kai Wagner whipped in a cross from the left that deflected off Revolution defender Dave Romney -- although Jackson was able to parry, Uhre was on hand to tap in the loose ball.

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Football

Nathan Harriel made it 3-0 with a superb header at the back post after he rose, unattended, to meet a deep free kick from Wagner.

Argentine Gustavo Bou gave the visitors some hope of a comeback with a well-taken solo goal in the 68th minute, jinking into the box before firing home a left-foot shot.

Later on Saturday, LAFC host the Vancouver Whitecaps in game one of their Western Conference series.

Sunday sees Houston at home to Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City at St Louis City in the West, while Eastern Conference regular season winners Cincinnati kick off their post-season bid against the New York Red Bulls.