By Chris Tsakonas
NEW YORK – New York City FC’s playoff hopes have been dashed with a 1-1 draw to CF Montreal. The Pigeons opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a goal from Andres Perea, while Montreal’s equalizer came in the first added minute from Daniel Rios.
Here are three thoughts from New York City’s penultimate match.
First half offensive struggles
As has often been the case this season, New York City controlled most of the possession and the run of play from the opening kickoff – but it didn’t translate to scoring chances. Most of the match was played in the middle of the pitch, with only a couple of forays into the Montreal penalty area.
It took 29 minutes for the Pigeons to create their first shot of the match, which was a turnaround shot from Benie Traore that missed the target.
Perea opens the scoring
In the 41st minute, New York City finally broke through. Nico Fernandez Mercau forced a Montreal giveaway inside their own box, and he laid it off to Perea at the top of the box. Perea beat Samsy Keita with a shot inside the left post.
Despite a quiet first half with only two shots and 0.29 expected goals, the Pigeons had the goal and the lead they needed to keep the season alive.
Another late goal punishes New York City
Throughout the 2026 season, a recurring Achilles heel for New York City has been conceding goals late into matches. The Pigeons had already conceded seven goals past the 90 minute mark, with 11 goals conceded in the 85th minute or later.
In the second added minute, it happened again. A cross was played into the middle for Rios, who had broken free from Thiago Martins to find space in the penalty area. His shot beat Freese to the left post to level the match.
With Columbus’ 3-0 win over DC United, it was enough to knock New York City out of the playoff race altogether.
Next Up
New York City will head down to the nation’s capital to close out the regular season against DC United. This match will not have any influence on the playoff hunt, as DC was already eliminated from playoff contention last Wednesday night.
Live radio commentary with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will get underway at 3:45 p.m. at newyorkcityfc.com/radio.
