New York City FC continue their busy week with a 2-0 win over CF Montreal, two goals from Alonso Martinez solidifies his position as one of the top strikers on the team. City were able to take advantage of sloppy play from Montreal all game long to make it a comfortable effort and one that now pushes the club one point shy of third place in the Eastern Conference.
The first half was marked by solid passing and timely interceptions by City. Montreal found it difficult to move the ball with any regularity and even harder to unleash their star striker Josef Martinez. It was the ninth minute when the scoring started. An interception by Wolf in the middle of the field opened up a run for Martinez. A quick pass and he ran past the last defender, scoring the game’s opening salvo. An offside review was necessary as the flag went up immediately after the goal. However an analysis of the video showed that Martinez was just on the line, making the goal valid.
The second half saw more of the same with City pushing forward and controlling the pace of play. Another errant ball into the middle of the field started the push for the brace. Sands played a ball to Wolf who found Martinez one-on-one with a Montreal defender. The Costa Rican striker took the opportunity from just outside the box and scored the game’s second goal. The effort marked Martinez’s eighth of the campaign and also showed just how versatile his chances can be.
Montreal did little to fight back and City were able to grab an important three points before a road trip to Austin this Saturday. The team has a chance to hop firmly into third place, past Columbus Crew should they win against an Austin team that is currently struggling to find consistency.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese: Gray, Martins, Risa (46′ Tanasijevic), O’Toole, Sands, Parks (52′ Perea), Wolf (52′ Fernandez), Moralez (22′ Ojeda), Rodriguez, Martinez (87′ Bakrar)
CF Montreal: Sirois; Campbell (57′ Alvarez), Corbo, Sosa, Ruan (57’Lappalainen), Saliba, Duke, Edwards, Ibrahim (46′ Coccaro), Martinez (67′ Vilsaint), Opoku (57′ Iankov)
SCORING SUMMARY:
9′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martinez (7) assisted by Hannes Wolf
56′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martinez (8) assisted by Hannes Wolf and James Sands
DISCIPLINE:
52′ (CF Montreal) George Campbell – YELLOW CARD
90′ (NYCFC) James Sands – YELLOW CARD
Brad Penner | USA TODAY SPORTS