On Saturday, May 10, 2025, New York City FC hosted CF Montréal in a crucial Matchday 12 clash of the Major League Soccer season at Yankee Soccer Stadium in The Bronx. This matchup was particularly significant as both teams were navigating contrasting fortunes in the league table. New York City FC, currently positioned 12th, was looking to solidify their standing against the struggling CF Montréal, who sat at the bottom of the table in 29th place.
The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium was electric as fans gathered to support their teams. The weather was clear and dry, with temperatures hovering around 66°F (19°C), ideal for a night of soccer. For viewers at home, the match was available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with a multilingual broadcast team ready to cover the action.
New York City FC entered the match with a solid home record, having won four out of five games at home this season, ranking them among the league's top performers in their own backyard. Their recent form included three victories, two defeats, and no draws, showcasing a slight upward trajectory following a narrow 1-0 win against FC Cincinnati. Under the management of Pascal Jansen, the team emphasized a pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defensive organization while remaining capable of quick transitions in attack.
In contrast, CF Montréal was experiencing a nightmarish season, with an overall record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, which left them with just three points. Their goal-scoring woes were evident, having netted only five goals so far in the season, making them the lowest-scoring team in the league. The pressure was mounting on head coach Marco Donadel to find a way to instill a cohesive tactical structure within the team and to turn their fortunes around.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to make their mark. New York City FC's lineup featured key players like Adrian Alonso Martinez Batista, who had scored six goals in his last ten games, and Maxi Moralez, who had a history of tormenting Montréal with five goal contributions in his prior encounters against them. However, the team was missing several players due to injuries, including Malachi Jones, Keaton Parks, Kevin O'Toole, and Birk Risa.
On the other side, CF Montréal relied on their goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, who had made 37 saves this season, just one behind NYCFC’s Matt Freese, who had 38. The defensive battle was expected to be fierce, as New York City had allowed 13 goals while Montréal had conceded 16. The statistics indicated that this match could be decided by the defensive efforts of both sides.
As the first half unfolded, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. New York City created several chances but failed to convert, while Montréal's attempts were thwarted by a resolute defense. The first half ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
After the halftime break, the intensity picked up. New York City pressed hard, looking to capitalize on their home advantage, but it was Montréal who found the breakthrough. In a moment of brilliance, Prince Owusu scored a stunning goal in the 67th minute, placing a left-footed shot into the top left corner after a well-timed assist from Dante Sealy. This goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and put Montréal ahead 1-0.
With time running out, New York City FC ramped up their efforts to equalize. They pushed forward, creating several opportunities, but the Montréal defense held firm. Despite their best efforts, including a few close calls that had the home crowd on the edge of their seats, NYCFC could not find the equalizer. The match concluded with a final score of 0-1 in favor of CF Montréal.
This victory marked a significant moment for Montréal, who had been searching for their first win of the season. The players celebrated on the field, while the New York City FC players were left to reflect on a missed opportunity. The defeat was particularly disappointing for NYCFC, as they had hoped to leverage their home advantage to secure a much-needed win.
After the match, the players expressed their feelings about the game. Maxi Moralez noted, “We had our chances, but we just couldn’t finish. It’s frustrating, especially at home.” Meanwhile, CF Montréal’s coach, Marco Donadel, praised his team’s resilience: “This win is a testament to the hard work the players have put in. We needed this to boost our confidence.”
Looking ahead, New York City FC will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match, aiming to turn their fortunes around. For CF Montréal, this victory could serve as a catalyst for a turnaround in their season, providing the momentum they desperately need as they seek to climb out of the bottom of the table.
The match showcased the unpredictable nature of soccer, where fortunes can change in an instant. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on this experience, with New York City FC determined to reclaim their form and CF Montréal eager to continue their newfound success.
