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

Matias Pellegrini scored in the 33rd minute, and New York City FC held on for a 1-0 victory over host CF Montreal on Saturday night.

After rain delayed the start of the game, NYCFC (5-7-9, 24 points) averted setting a team record by going winless in their 12th consecutive MLS encounter. Since a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas on April 22, NYCFC had gone 0-6-5, matching the team record set during its inaugural season in 2015.

Montreal (8-10-3, 26 points) lost its six-game winning streak at home. During the streak, each of its victories was a shutout, which set an MLS record.

Goalkeeper Luis Barraza made three saves in the second half to help NYCFC get its first road victory of the season.

Jonathan Sirois, the goalkeeper for Montreal, made six saves.

Pellegrini dribbled past two players before receiving a cross from Braian Cufre. He fired a left-footed shot that soared over Sorois while dropping to the ground.

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

It was Montreal’s first goal at home since D.C. United’s Lewis O’Brien scored in the first few minutes of the second half on April 15.

Despite controlling the ball for nearly 42 percent of the first half, NYCFC only managed five shots on goal. Sorois denied Talles Magno and then stopped Mitja Illenic’s rebound by diving out of the goal area with his right leg.

Barraza made his first stop in the 51st minute, leaping to deflect Mason Toye’s shot. He then made a leaping save on Jules-Anthony Vilsaint in the 75th minute and then blocked another Anthony-Vilsaint attempt just before stoppage time.