3 things we learned from the NYCFC Decision Day 2024 loss to CF Montréal

New York City FC knew they were in the playoffs as they entered Decision Day 2024.  The Pigeons were guaranteed a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference, for they could finish no lower than sixth place and no higher than fourth.

Since the Bronx side wanted that home-field advantage in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, NYCFC knew they had to beat CF Montréal on the road.  The Canadian team was hot, like the visitors, entering the game.  They were 3-1-1 in the previous five matches, which is why they were a playoff contender.

Both teams had the drive to win, but in the end, CF Montréal came out on top.  NYCFC fell 2-0 despite outplaying the opposition.  Two goals in the first half was all it took while the Pigeons' road woes returned.  They could not find the back of the net and mistakes led to the loss.

The result was disappointing and reminded everyone why this team is so frustrating at times.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss to CF Montréal on Decision Day 2024.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 2-0 loss

1. Finishing in sixth means NYCFC faces FC Cincinnati

Sadly, NYCFC would have finished in fourth place if the team would have won.  Orlando City SC lost to Atlanta United FC, which means the Pigeons would have had 53 points compared to the Florida side’s 52.  But they did not win, ending the regular season with 50.

Then, Charlotte FC won their game so they jumped over the Boys in Blue.  That is why NYCFC finished in sixth, which happens to be their third-worst finish in club history. 

Therefore, the Pigeons will face third-place FC Cincinnati in the Round One Best-of-3 series.  They must beat the Ohio team twice to move on in the playoffs.  While the last meeting ended in a 3-2 win for the Bronx team, the road struggles can easily come into play.  Cincinnati will host two of the three fixtures unless they win the first two.  If NYCFC can win during their home match, then they will have to try to win at least one game on the road in Ohio.

2. Thiago Martins is responsible for the second goal

Halftime was only seconds away when CF Montréal scored their second and final goal of the night.  Josef Martínez scored the goal while falling to the ground, and Matt Freese watched the ball dribble in beside him.  Caden Clark got the assist after he scored the opener.

Although, Clark should have never received the opportunity to send the ball toward his teammate.  The reason the second goal happened is because of Thiago Martins.  The Brazilian center-back was too relaxed watching the ball.  He thought it would end out of play, but Clark’s speed saw him retrieve it. 

This caused a delay for Martins, and the Montréal player was able to maneuver around the NYCFC captain, leaving room to pass the ball to Martínez.  The Designated Player would have easily stopped Clark if he ran toward the ball and did not watch it at first.

Admittedly, there is no guarantee this would have changed the game.  NYCFC did not score at all, so it is likely the result still would have favored the home team.  One will never know.

3. NYCFC should have taken better shots

NYCFC lost 2-0 but outshot Montréal 16 to five. The teams both had four shots on target, but only the Canadian side found the back of the net.

The Pigeons should have taken better shots based on their offensive output.  They were the more threatening side by the amount of shots.  Yet, they could not capitalize on their opportunities.  Some of their shots on goal were weak and resulted in easy saves.  A great example was the Santiago Rodríguez shot in the 42nd minute.  The midfielder sent it right to Jonathan Sirois, for the goalkeeper made an easy save.

The most threatening shot on target came from Tayvon Gray in the 16th minute.  The right-back shot the ball from outside the center of the box, and the save forced a corner kick.  Otherwise, most were lackluster or way off target.

This cannot happen in the postseason.  Otherwise, NYCFC will find themselves packing their vacation bags earlier than they would like.