3 things we learned from NYCFC's disappointing loss to CF Montréal | OneFootball

On Saturday, New York City FC played another game where they desired to take revenge.  Like they did against Atlanta United FC, the Boys in Blue lost the opposite fixture against CF Montréal.  And like Atlanta, they hoped to win in style and secure all three points.

Alas, that did not happen.  NYCFC fell 1-0 to the Canadian side for the second time this season and gave Montréal their third win of the season and first at home.  In a year of disappointing losses, this was without doubt another one.

Funny enough, the Pigeons had two more shots total compared to the Atlanta game.  The difference was that they lacked the clinical finish they had in the 4-0 win.  Much of the offensive effort was poor, and truthfully, the home side did not have to do too much work to keep the visitors out of the goal.  When they did, it was not difficult.

So, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss to CF Montréal.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 1-0 loss

3. CF Montréal has now beaten NYCFC three times in a row

Regardless of the season, NYCFC has always known that the chance of them losing to CF Montréal was always slim.  Before last year, the Bronx side only lost two of their matchups.  But that all changed, and ultimately, last season’s Decision Day has now started a new streak for Montréal.

The team from up north has won three times in a row against NYCFC, including the 2025 Major League Soccer sweep.  This is ultimately concerning since the Boys in Blue have often done well against Montréal.  Now, they are in the middle of a losing streak, and this comes when the opposing side has now won just three games in MLS this season.  Therefore, NYCFC must find a way to reverse these recent misfortunes when they play again next year.

2. Maxi Moralez was better in the second half

Maxi Moralez continues to be an everyday starter for the Pigeons and plays at a high level.  On Saturday, it first appeared like he was not playing his best game.  However, a change at the start of the second half made a difference in his play.

NYCFC first used the same starting lineup as the Atlanta match.  They played well, but the lineup was not working against Montréal.  Using one striker and three wingers in the attack on the road was not the right move.  As such, Jonathan Shore came on after halftime for Agustín Ojeda and made all the difference.

Not only did NYCFC begin to play a little better, but this move allowed Moralez to play further up the pitch in his usual ten role.  This made the Argentine more impactful in the attack and with his passes.  Adding Shore, who is better defensively, also lessened the workload for the defense and allowed the Boys in Blue to focus more in the attack.

1. Losing this road game might hurt NYCFC

June only saw NYCFC play two games.  Now, they will enter July, where they will have five MLS matches and then start the Leagues Cup.  In MLS, four of those fixtures will be away from home.

Since the Bronx side struggles on the road, losing to Montréal might hurt the Pigeons in the long run.  This was a game they should have won on paper, and losing to the last-place Eastern Conference team is not ideal.  This was the best chance for a win.

That is not to say NYCFC will not win away from home, for they have done so this year.  Rather, Saturday’s loss combined with a poor July can see the team fall down the table.