MLS: Seattle 0, Houston 0 (tie)

SEATTLE, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Pat Onstad's point-blank save in the 74th minute Thursday allowed Houston to escape with a 0-0 tie against Seattle in the opening game of the MLS playoffs.

The second game of the two-game series will be played Sunday in Houston.

Houston finished one point in front of Seattle in the regular-season standings and although the Dynamo got the best of the play Thursday, the Sounders had the best chances.

Seattle's Patrick Ianni hit the crossbar with a shot in the 44th minute and Nate Jaqua had a tremendous opportunity in the 74th.

Jaqua got a lot on a header from short range, but Onstad was able to quickly react and knock away the attempt.

Columbus will be at Real Salt Lake on Saturday when the next MLS playoff series gets under way.