With New York City FC needing a win to clinch playoff qualification and the Montreal Impact needing every point they can get to stay above the playoff line, both sides were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in front of a sold-out Stade Saputo.
The match had a certain grippy, playoff feel to it as both clubs refused to budge an inch. They went into halftime tied 1-1 and finished that way, though Matteo Mancosu thought he struck a winner for the hosts in the 87th minute but was correctly called offside.
NYCFC got out to an early lead in the 17th minute as Rudy Camacho inadvertently turned a cross into his own net with Jo Inge Berget sliding in. Berget lasted 64 minutes in his first game back from injury after Dome Torrent forecasted 55 minutes for the Norweigan.
Micheal Azira scored his first career MLS goal to level the match in the 27th minute, a deflected strike from outside the 18-yard box, assisted by a deft first-time layoff by Ignacio Piatti.
David Villa couldn't carve much space as the Impact defense did a strong job at nullying his threat. Ditto for NYCFC's backline with Piatti and Alejandro Silva.
NYCFC will have to wait at least another game to confirm their place in this year's Audi 2018 MLS Cup playoffs.
Goals
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Azira's first MLS goal helped earn a point for the hosts. What an assist from Piatti!
Next Up
- MTL: Saturday, Sept. 29 at D.C. United (7 pm ET | TVAS — Full TV & streaming info)
- NYC: Wednesday, Sept. 26 vs. Chicago Fire (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
