The Vancouver Whitecaps took command of their first-round United Soccer League playoff series with a 4-1 win over Miami FC on Friday.

The lopsided win means Miami needs to win by three goals just to draw level in the two-game series decided by aggregate goals.

Vancouver opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Steve Kindel sent in a cross from the left wing which was headed in by David Testo from 13 yards out.

Joey Gjertsen added to the Vancouver lead in the 35th minute. Testo laid the ball back to Gjertsen, who sent a 22-yard shot inside the left post.

Geordie Lyall made it 3-0 with a minute left in the first half. Jay Alberts fired a low shot that was blocked by a defender, but Lyall came in from the right wing and scored from 10 yards out.

Brazilian soccer legend Romario scored in the 64th minute to Miami within two goals. Romario sent a 23-yard free kick through the defensive wall and past Whitecaps goalkeeper Tony Caig.

Vancouver's Tony Donatelli cemented the win in the 88th minute. Gjertsen's corner kick from the left went to Steve Klein to the right of goal, and his play back in front was headed in by Donatelli.

Game 2 of the series goes Sunday in Miami.