Impact topple Red Bulls with slim 1st-leg victory in East semifinal

The Montreal Impact pulled off another surprise result in the first leg of this Eastern Conference semifinal clash, defeating the New York Red Bulls 1-0 at Stade Saputo courtesy of a powerful Matteo Mancosu goal.

Mancosu opened the scoring on the hour mark, reading an overhead cross well and smacking home the volley with purpose, leaving goalkeeper Luis Robles stunned.

It's Mancosu's third playoff goal in two games, with the Italian filling in perfectly in the absence of Didier Drogba, who missed the match as he continues to deal with back pain.

The Red Bulls attempted to find an equalizer in the last 30 minutes but could not crack a Montreal defense led by Laurent Ciman. Jesse Marsch's side nearly carved out a goal late in the game but Bradley Wright-Phillips failed to finish on an open net.

Substitute Omer Damari caused a bit of late drama with a hard foul on Calum Mallace, one that earned him a straight red card just moments after coming into the match.

The loss amounts to the first in 17 league matches for the Red Bulls.

The Impact next head to Red Bull Arena on Nov. 6 for the reverse leg of this round of playoff action.