NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview: A very important match on Decision Day

Last year on Decision Day, New York City FC won their final game against Chicago Fire FC.  Unfortunately, results around Major League Soccer did not go in their favor, ultimately causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015.  It was one of the worst seasons in recent memory.

This year, things have been better.  The streakiness of NYCFC has caused a lot of strife throughout the season, but entering Decision Day, the Pigeons are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.  They will play in the playoffs, but the team can finish anywhere from fourth to sixth place.  A win will see them finish in fifth or fourth pending the outcome of Orlando City SC.  A loss or draw could see Charlotte FC push the Boys in Blue into sixth place if the North Carolina team wins.

As such, NYCFC will want to win their game against CF Montréal.  They won earlier this year and have only lost twice to the Canadian side in all competitions.  The Pigeons have the historical advantage, but can they beat a team that is desperate to make the MLS Cup playoffs on their end?

With one last match to go, here is a preview of the upcoming game between NYCFC and CF Montréal.

Date

NYCFC and CF Montréal will play one another on Saturday, October 19.

Time

The game is at 6:00 PM ET.

Location

The match will be at Stade Saputo in Montréal, Quebec in Canada.

How to watch

Fans can watch the fixture on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

NYCFC will have a beautiful October day for their 34th MLS game.  It will be sunny before the sun sets, setting up clear skies in the evening.  It will be about 59 degrees as the fixture begins.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg) continues to be out for NYCFC.  Otherwise, everyone else will be available.

Players to watch

The player to watch on NYCFC is Alonso Martínez.  The striker has 16 goals in MLS this season and has been a wonderful surprise.  Many thought he was signed as a depth piece, but the forward proved his value and showed what he could bring as a striker.  He has scored four goals during the recent three-game winning streak, so the Costa Rican will be an important part of the attack.

On Montréal, supporters should watch Caden Clark.  The former New York Red Bulls player was traded to the team over the summer from Minnesota United FC and has scored three goals for his new team.  As someone who experienced the Hudson River Derby rivalry, he might have an extra chip towards the Pigeons, making him more threatening.

Prediction

The recent form against Montréal over the last few years and the latest results make the final prediction of the regular season a positive one.  NYCFC will win 3-2, with Maxi Moralez critical to the game.  CF Montréal will put up a fight, but Matt Freese will be the hero toward the end of the fixture, keeping the 3-2 lead.