Preki Carries the Fusion

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Midfielder Preki scored in the 53rd minute and the Miami Fusion defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, in the first game of a best-of-three Major League Soccer semifinal series Wednesday night.

The Fusion were expected to be without Preki, who injured a hamstring last week during workouts for the U.S. World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

“I think he was teasing us,” Fusion Coach Ray Hudson said of Preki, a key figure in Miami’s drive to the Eastern Division title after being acquired from Kansas City in the off-season.

The goal was Preki’s second in the playoffs this season.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

MLS Semifinals

Best-of-three; Three points for victory, one point for tie

GALAXY vs. CHICAGO

Game 1--Galaxy 1, Chicago 1

Game 2--Saturday, Chicago at Galaxy, 7 p.m.

Game 3--Wednesday, Galaxy at Chicago, 5:30 p.m.*

*

SAN JOSE vs. MIAMI

Game 1--Miami 1, San Jose 0

Game 2--Sunday, Miami at San Jose, 6 p.m.

Game 3--Wednesday, San Jose at Miami, 7:30 p.m.*

*

MLS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Oct. 21 at Columbus, Ohio

Semifinal winners, 9:30 a.m.

*if necessary