New York City FC returned to play for the first time in 16 days with a low-energy loss to CF Montréal at Stade Saputo. It was Montréal's first win at home this year, and first season-sweep of New York City in Major League Soccer history: Montreal has just five wins over NYCFC in 11 years, with one of them coming tonight and another just a few weeks ago on May 10 at Yankee Stadium.
Just as concerning for New York City was how they lost. The team was held scoreless for the seventh time in 19 games — by comparison, NYCFC was shut out eight times in 34 games last season. It's hard to come back from a one-goal deficit when the attack has trouble finding the net. The New York City that won by multiple goals in three of the five previous games was nowhere to be seen.
Here are four thoughts about a game that was well within reach of the New York City that roared back to score two goals at Nashville SC at the end of May, but that was too much for the players on the field tonight.
Hudson River Blue Staff
1. No urgency
There were two teams on the field at the opening whistle, but only one looked like they came to play.
Montréal was the more aggressive side from the start, pressing a New York City that looked content to play slow and safe passes. The tactic paid off. Montréal was able to force NYCFC to keep the ball in the defensive third for much of the first half. It didn't matter that the possession percentages favored NYCFC: Montréal controlled the game, limiting New York City to just two shots.
New York City looked better in the second half, creating chances and putting a second shot on target. But Montréal matched that new intensity, once again ceding possession while creating better chances.
2. Tomás Romero proves himself
It was a close game, and could have easily finished as a 1-1 draw. It also could have been much worse for New York City, as goalkeeper Tomás Romero proved his value by putting the best performance on his team. Romero finished the night with five saves, doing his best Matt Freese impression by keeping his team in the game only for the attack to fail to find a way to score.
Tomás Romero keeps NYCFC in it | Courtesy newyorkcityfc.com/Apple TV
Romero is now a part of NYCFC's proud tradition of finding top-class backup goalkeepers who easily step up into the First Team, following in the footsteps of Brad Stuver and Luis Barraza. Should the United States men's national team win tomorrow's Concacaf Gold Cup matchup with Costa Rica and be without Freese for another game, the club will be in good hands with Romero in goal.
Andrew Leigh
3. Mounsef goes missing
When Mounsef Bakrar was subbed off for Seymour Reid in the 73rd minute, his 5.8 FotMob rating was the lowest of any player on the field. It's easy to see why. Bakrar took just one clean shot, and it was off-target. Three other shots were blocked, and he created no chances.
It's fair to expect more from the player who wears the team's No 9 jersey, and who was signed in 2023 to be the team's primary striker. By now, Bakrar's lack of production has been discussed to death – we cover that topic here at Hudson River Blue a few times a year – but just because the storyline is familiar doesn't mean it should be ignored. Bakarar was given the start because first-choice striker Alonso Martínez is away with the Costa Rica national team, but he never looked like he was going to play himself back into the Starting XI, or even give head coach Pascal Jansen something to consider when he rejoins the team next week.
Bakrar made the runs, tracked back to defend, and tried to link up with the rest of the attack. He's a good player, but he didn't display the hunger of somebody looking to prove his worth and climb up the depth chart.
4. The NYCFC Make-A-Wish Foundation
For the second time this year, New York City did Montréal a solid.
Back in May, NYCFC helped Montréal log their first win of the season when they beat the hosts at home — in fact, it was Montréal's first win in New York City in Major League Soccer history. Tonight, NYCFC helped Montréal overcome another mental hurdle by losing to them on the road. Montréal hadn't managed a win at home until this game, and now the season-long curse at Stade Saputo is broken.
When, you might ask, did Montréal last win a game at home before tonight? That was on October 19, 2024, when they defeated New York City 2-0 on Decision Day.
