Montreal Impact-NYCFC 1-1: Match Recap

Off the back of a two-week break from action, Dome Torrent welcomed back fit-again Jo Inge Berget, as well as Maxime Chanot (international duty) and Alex Ring (suspension) to the XI as the Boys in Blue looked to clinch their place in the postseason.

Three points would be enough to seal it but a resurgent Montreal Impact stood in their way at the Stade Saputo Stadium in the first of five remaining games in the 2018 Regular Season.

It was Berget who played the most significant role in the scoring of the opening goal on 17', as he raced onto an incisive cross from Ben Sweat and forced Rudy Camacho to divert the ball over the onrushing Evan Bush.

Although the Norwegian couldn't claim his fifth goal of the season for it, it was a perfect demonstration of what NYCFC have been missing in Jo Inge's absence but, sadly, the lead would last just ten minutes.

Azira provided the equalizer with a shot which also picked up a deflection, with this one off the unlucky Alexander Callens completely wrong-footing Sean Johnson in the City goal, leaving him no chance.

It was a blow for Torrent's side who had started the game well but they recovered from the concession and were well in the game, though there were few clear chances until the dying embers of the half.

First, Taider forced Johnson into a great save with his downward header on 44', before David Villa forced an equally good stop from Bush at the other end after El Guaje did brilliantly well to take down Ronald Matarrita's through ball and get his shot away.

Those saves meant that the teams went in at the break level, which was probably about right on the balance of play.

After the interval, Matarrita forced Bush into action for the first time on 56' when he drilled an effort into the palms of the 'keeper after a neat touch from Villa, who was in pain minutes later after a clash of knees, but fortunately, he was fine to continue after running it off.

Matarrita renewed his rivalries with Bush courtesy of a powerful thumped shot on 66' but the Montreal no.1 was right behind it again and he was also able to watch Sweat's dangerous right-footed shot clear the crossbar on 76'.

Johnson came to City's rescue with a crucial late one-on-one save to prevent what would have been a fortunate home win for the Canadians. 

As it was, it remained 1-1 and City will go for the clinch vs. Chicago back in the Big Apple on Wednesday night