Following are the first round pairings for the 2009 MLS Playoffs.

On the night that Columbus was awarded the 2009 Supporters Shield, it was the New England Revolution who left as victors. Jeff Larentowicz scored the game's only goal in the second half, clinching a playoff spot for the visitors on the last game of the 2009 season. The Crew finished the regular season having lost three of their last four games, including two at home.

The Columbus Crew's home unbeaten streak, much-discussed over the last month, is no longer news. The expansion Seattle Sounders FC came into Crew Stadium, grabbed a first half goal against the run of play, and held off an increasingly desperate Columbus attack to leave town with three points and the answer to a minor trivia question. Guillermo Barros Schelotto missed a penalty kick in the 83rd minute that would have tied the match.

The Columbus Crew had one foot in the quarterfinals for the CONCACAF Champions League, holding a 1-0 lead in the second minute of stoppage time. With the fans' thoughts turning to the frigid drive home, Saprissa defender Alexander Robinson headed home a free kick from point blank range to level the game at 1-1 and force the Crew to take next week's trip to Puerto Rico much more seriously.