New York City 1, Montreal 1 - as it happened

FT: NYCFC and Montreal split the points in a 1-1 draw.

This game was an ugly affair from beginning to end, and NYCFC have yet to prove why they’re a contender in the MLS Playoffs. City’s lone goal came off of an own goal and does little for the team moving forward.

Domé Torrent has not shown the same tactical prowess that he did when he first arrived. And unless he can figure it out quickly, there’s no reason for him to return next season.

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81’: Taty Castellanos comes on for Ronald Matarrita. That is City’s final substitution of the evening.

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71’: Eloi Amagat is finally subbed off. On comes Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.

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64’: Jo Inge Berget comes off for Ebenezer Ofori. This move makes absolutely no sense to me in a tie game.

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55’: NYCFC still look to be on the back foot. For whatever reason, City don’t seem potent on offense tonight, as opposed to their past two games where they generated an abundance of chances but couldn’t find the net.

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And the second half has begun. No changes to either side just yet.

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HT: We’re all square at 1-1. Thus far, the highlights are Montreal’s own goal — which can be credited to Berget’s physicality in front of the net — and Azira’s goal from a bad deflection off of Alex Callens.

The Impact might not be dominating in possession, but they most definitely are in chances created. In theory, they could be up a goal or two, but NYCFC have hung in there. This is exactly why I’m shocked Ismael Tajouri-Shradi isn’t starting.

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38’: Montreal has been the aggressor this game. They have had more significant chances on offense and have generated more shots than NYCFC. Hopefully, the Boys can find some momentum moving forward

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27’: Montreal tie the game after Callens’ unlucky deflection causes it to miss Sean Johnson in net. We’re tied at 1-1

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18’: GOOOOOOOOAAAAL! New York City lead 1-0

What initially looked to be a goal from Berget is no a Montreal own goal. Regardless, the Norwegian did his job and created chaos in front of net

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Ten minutes have elapsed, and there’s really nothing to talk about. Montreal had a decent set-piece opportunity in the first minute of the game, but NYCFC valiantly defended it. That’s the most significant chance from either side.

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We’re off in Montreal!

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Rosters are out! Domé Torrent seems to have confidence in Ronald Matarrita as a center midfielder, which I’m fine with. I can’t, however, shake how bothersome it is to see Ismael Tajouri-Shradi on the bench, especially after the amount of rest he’s had. He is the team’s leading goalscorer after all!

Also, Eloi Amagat has been ineffective in his starts thus far. I feel he needs to earn his way back into the fold. But, given his and Domé’s history, I don’t expect any such thing to happen.

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Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: M - Tommy McNamara, M - Yangel Herrera, D - Alex Callens
• International Duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: M - Yangel Herrera (ankle injury), D - Cedric Hountondji (hamstring injury); QUESTIONABLE: M - Jesus Medina (hamstring injury)

Montreal Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: D - Chris Duvall
• International duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: M - David Choiniere (ankle surgery), D - Kyle Fisher (quad injury)

Referees: Nima Saghafi (referee); Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho, Chris Wattam (assistant referees); Marcos DeOliveira (4th official); Fotis Bazakos (VAR)

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How To Watch

Match date & time: September 22, 2018, 7:30 pm.

Venue: Stade Saputo, Montreal, Quebec

Online streaming: Fox Sports GO

TV: YES

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English; WADO 1280 AM — Spanish.

All-time series: A replenished and potentially rejuvenated New York City FC returns after two weeks of rest to face the Montreal Impact. Historically speaking, Montreal has been one of NYCFC’s more pleasant opponents. In 8 total matchups, the Bronx Blues have managed 5 wins and 2 draws against the Impact who have only a single win in the all-time series. Additionally, City has been perfect at Stade Saputo, winning all three of their matchups in Montreal’s house.

Given the circumstances, NYCFC could not, statistically speaking, have a better opponent than Montreal to face off with while in a slump. Plus, this game could serve as an important feeler for returning players like Jo Inge Berget, Ebenezer Ofori, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, none of whom have played with NYCFC since the 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls on August 22.

Of course, despite their incontrovertible past against them, NYCFC can not and should not take Montreal for granted. The Impact are holding onto a playoff position for a reason and City have been mediocre at best on the road this season. Games aren’t won on paper after all.

This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.