Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar takes a selfie with fans after round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game against the New England Revolution, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 1-0. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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ATLANTA (AP) - Franco Escobar's goal at the 69th minute broke a scoreless match and Atlanta United made it hold up with a 1-0 win on Saturday in an opening-round game of the MLS playoffs.
The defending champs entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and advanced to play the winner of Sunday's contest between No. 3-seed Philadelphia and sixth-seeded New York Red Bulls.
Escobar took a short pass from Ezequiel Barco at the right side of the box and carried a shot over diving keeper Matt Turner. It was Escobar's second goal of the season.
Though the defending champs controlled possession most of the match, New England put itself in position to challenge Atlanta (19-12-4) for the duration.
At the 36th minute of the first half, Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan came up with an outstretched save of a Cristian Penilla blast from roughly 30 yards out to keep it scoreless.
Early in the second half, Revs keeper Matt Turner did his part to keep the shutout going with saves in just seconds thwarting shot attempts by Barco and Leandro Gonzalez.
New England (11-12-12) suffered its fifth defeat against Atlanta this season.
Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez celebrates after round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game against the New England Revolution, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 1-0. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzalez, second from right, celebrates next to New England Revolution defender Andrew Farrell (2) as time runs out in round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 1-0. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner tries to stop a kick on goal by Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar who scored during the second half of round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Atlanta United won 1-0. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Atlanta United defender Julian Gressel (24) celebrates a goal by defender Franco Escobar, right, during the second half of round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game against the New England Revolution, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Atlanta United won 1-0. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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New England Revolution forward DeJuan Jones, left, and Atlanta United defender Julian Gressel, right, vie for the ball during the first half of round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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CORRECTS ID TO DEFENSEMAN JEFF LARENTOWICZ, NOT FORWARD HECTOR VILLALBA - Atlanta United defenseman Jeff Larentowicz, left, defends a kick by New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil during the first half of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz, left, and New England Revolution midfielder Brandon Bye, right, vie for a header during the first half of round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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New England Revolution forward DeJuan Jones, left, and Atlanta United defender Julian Gressel, right, battle for a header during the first half of round one in an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan reacts after blocking a shot during the first half of of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game against the New England Revolution, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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