Daniel Ríos goal gives CF Montreal 1-1 draw against NYCFC
Daniel Ríos scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time to give visiting CF Montreal a 1-1 draw against New York City FC at Citi Field on Saturday, leaving the hosts on the brink of missing the playoffs.
NYCFC Faces Playoff Elimination After Montreal Draw
The late equalizer alters the postseason picture significantly for NYCFC. The club sits at 9-12-12 with 39 points and was eliminated when Columbus defeated Dallas earlier Saturday. A road victory by the New York Red Bulls over Nashville SC on Sunday would officially end any remaining playoff chances for NYCFC.
Montreal entered the fixture struggling through an arduous stretch. The club went 0-4-2 in October, getting outscored 13-3 during that span, and had not scored a goal since October 17. The draw brings Montreal’s record to 6-19-8 and 26 points.
Andrés Perea finds the backpost! 👊New York City has the lead.📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/AFCrenL143 pic.twitter.com/EahpqxEIkQ
Perea Scores After Montreal Goalkeeper Giveaway
NYCFC seized the lead before halftime when Andrés Perea scored his career-high fourth goal of the season in the 41st minute, taking a pass from Nicolás Fernández Mercau. Deadspin detailed that the scoring opportunity arose from a Montreal giveaway when 17-year-old goalkeeper Samsy Keita delivered a soft kick that Fernández Mercau intercepted on the left side of the box before quickly feeding Perea.
The advantage held through a physical second half featuring numerous cautions. Nerdsports reported that the fixture finished with 36 fouls and eight yellow cards distributed across both sides. NYCFC held 52.8 percent possession and a 11-10 edge in total attempts, putting four shots on target compared to Montreal’s two, but failed to secure a second goal.
The decisive sequence arrived in the 91st minute. Deadspin noted that Montreal capitalized on a miscue by James Sands, who attempted to carry the ball himself instead of clearing a pass. Luca Petrasso gained possession for Montreal, sliding a pass from the end line to Ríos, who charged into the middle of the box, eluded a defender, and fired his seventh goal of the season into the top left corner past Matt Freese.
Final Regular Season Fixtures
Both teams close out their 2026 regular season schedules on Saturday, November 7. United, while CF Montreal returns home to host the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Equalizer for Montreal! 😮Daniel Ríos brings things level in stoppage time. pic.twitter.com/5cyVR9MRxF