New York City FC extended its string of results to six straight matches with a 2-0 win over the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo on Saturday afternoon.
Maxi Moralez slipped in front of goal in the fourth minute to miss on an ideal scoring chance, but got to atone for it two minutes later, jumping on a rebounded Ben Sweat shot to open the scoring. The Impact missed on two late first-half headers — one from Saphir Taider, and one from Orji Okwonkwo — that came close to equalizing.
Less than four minutes into the second half, NYCFC picked up an insurance goal when Okwonkwo attempted clearance on a dangerous ball in — and cleared it right into Ismael Tajouri-Shradi's path, who made it 2-0 with a crisp finish. Though the Impact did play forward-minded soccer to get on the scoreboard — with the brightest chances coming from halftime sub Omar Browne — they weren't able to connect by match's end.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Things are tightening in the Eastern Conference, and with three wins and three draws in their last six matches — a string that started with a scoreless home draw against the Impact — NYCFC are putting themselves firmly in the playoff mix. Montreal's in there too, of course, despite the tough home loss on a pitch that looks like it's still rounding into form.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The second goal swung momentum firmly back to NYCFC, whereas heading into the half, the Impact were stringing some chances together and looking like they might knot things up.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Sweat led the charge for the first goal, pressured the right side of the Impact's defense, and contributed to preserving a clean sheet in an all-around solid performance.
Next Up
- MTL: Wednesday, May 8 at New York Red Bulls (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, TVAS in Canada)
- NYC: Saturday, May 11 vs. LA Galaxy (4 pm ET | ESPN, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
