New York City FC went into Stade Saputo against CF Montreal looking for revenge following a home loss earlier in the campaign but suffered another devastating result with a 1-0 loss. The game’s only goal came off the foot of Victor Loturi after a deflected save from back-up goalkeeper Tomas Romero. Luck was against City as their efforts either bounced in the wrong direction or found the wrong foot to leave them with no points.
NYC started strong with a line-up that still misses striker Alonso Martinez and goalkeeper Matt Freese due to national team duty. While it may have seemed like City was left with few options, they surged forward early, creating chances and putting Montreal on the back foot. The eighth minute saw them nearly take the lead when Agustin Ojeda’s cross ricocheted off of the Montreal defender and forced the Montreal keeper to keep it off the line by mere centimeters.
On defense City saw their bad luck double when Dante Sealy’s shot was saved by Romero but buried by Loturi from outside the box. While Montreal continued to have strong moments of possession, it was NYC who appeared as if they were more in control of the contest. Heading into the second half, assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy was prepared to make the necessary moves and had the bench built to press a Montreal team that hadn’t won at home yet in 2025.
On the contrary, Montreal played the counter attacking game well and looked to pounce on the aggressive nature of City for the remainder of the game. City did press for the equalizer with substitutes such as Seymour Reid but nothing worked to find a way to win a share of the points. It was Montreal that nearly found the second goal on a few occasions, giving the club their third win of 2025.
The loss drops City to ninth in the standings, the final spot in the playoff picture. The team will regain players following the end of the Gold Cup but will still need to turn around results as the likes of New England and Charlotte continue to press for their position. Next is a return home against Toronto FC, a game in which City will feel extra importance has been added given recent results.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Romero; Tanasijevic (64′ Gray), Haak, Martins, Risa (63′ O’Toole), Fernandez, Perea, Moralez, Ojeda (46′ Shore), Bakrar (73′ Reid), Wolf
CF Montreal: Sirois; Bugaj, Campbell, Craig, Petrasso, Sealy (78′ Guboglo), Piette, Loturi, Pearce, Owusu (90′ Ibrahim), Graham-Roache (58′ Vilsaint)
SCORING SUMMARY:
23′ (CF Montreal) Victor Loturi (2) unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
37′ (New York City FC) Andres Perea – YELLOW CARD
56′ (New York City FC) Maxi Moralez – YELLOW CARD
90′ (New York City FC) Tayvon Gray – YELLOW CARD
photo from NYCFC