New York FC snaps Montreal's record-setting home win streak

ByReuters ESPN logo
Sunday, July 2, 2023

Matias Pellegrini scored in the 33rd minute and New York City FC picked up its first win in over two months by holding on for a 1-0 victory over host CF Montreal on Saturday night.

After rain pushed back the start of the match, NYCFC (5-7-9, 24 points) avoided setting a team record by going winless in a 12th straight MLS contest. NYCFC had been 0-5-6 since a 3-1 win over FC Dallas on April 22 to equal the team record set during its inaugural season in 2015

Montreal (8-10-3, 26 points) saw its six-game home winning streak snapped. Each of its wins during the streak were shutouts to set an MLS record.

Goalie Luis Barraza made all three of his saves in the second half to help NYCFC hold on for its first road win this season.

Montreal goalie Jonathan Sirois made six saves.

Pellegrini slipped by two defenders and received a cross from Braian Cufre. While falling to the ground, he powered a left-footed shot that sailed over Sirois.

It was his second career MLS goal and first since scoring for Inter Miami against the Red Bulls on Oct. 7, 2020.

It was the first goal at home conceded by Montreal since Lewis O'Brien of D.C. United scored in the opening moments of the second half on April 15.

Despite holding possession for about 42 percent of the opening half, NYCFC finished with five shots on target. Sorois denied Talles Magno and then stopped Mitja Illenic's rebound by coming out of the goal area and using his right leg for a diving stop.

Barraza made his first save when he leaped to snatch an attempt by Mason Toye in the 51st. He then made a leaping save on Jules-Anthony Vilsaint in the 75th and then stopped another try from Anthony-Vilsaint right before stoppage time began.

--Field Level Media