NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview: Dreaming of a win

On Saturday, New York City FC will head to Canada to take on CF Montréal.  The Pigeons enter the match after tying their Major League Soccer record with 11 fixtures without a win.  As such, the club and supporters are dreaming of all three points. 

Moreover, the Bronx side is still looking for the first away win.  Whether that will actually happen is yet to be seen, for Montréal will likely be the toughest battle on this road trip.  The Canadian side sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, and has a record of 8-9-2.  In addition, the last loss at home was on April 15.  Since then, every single game ended with a win.

That is why the outlook continues to look grim for NYCFC.  The inability to score has been the blockade to success, and all it takes is one defensive lapse in a possible strong defensive performance to leave with zero points.

Let’s not take another moment.  Here is the preview for the upcoming fixture between NYCFC and Montréal.

When is the match between New York City FC and CF Montréal?

The match will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Montréal, Québec, Canada at Saputo Stadium.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from the CF Montréal?

New York City FC should expect a difficult match from Montréal.  Yes, the Pigeons have only lost twice in all competitions against their opposition, but this is no ordinary season.  There have been numerous losses against rosters that should have been wins.

Then, NYCFC has to deal with a strong defense, especially with the goalkeeper, Jonathan Sirois.  The Canadian does not lead in save percentage nor saves, but he is still toward the top of the league rankings.  Plus, he has eight clean sheets in 18 MLS matches.  That currently puts him in third place.  Hence, he will probably be the reason why the Pigeons break the winless streak record.

Similarly, both teams have been struggling with scoring this year in MLS.  In fact, NYCFC has two more goals to their name.  Likely, the result will come down to the defense, but based on the road woes, Montréal will undoubtedly have the edge.

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

The NYCFC player to watch in the upcoming fixture is Gabriel Segal.  Now, this is not based on play itself, but whether Nick Cushing will play him at all. 

The young striker has made an impact in some matches, mainly as a substitute.  Most notably, his two goals this season were game tying goals against Orlando City SC and the Columbus Crew.  He gave NYCFC life unexpectedly, and while he did not lead to a win, the draws earned because of him can make a difference later in the season.

Nonetheless, he is not the goal scorer that the Pigeons desperately need.  At the same time, the small sample size reveals he scores a goal about every two games.  Will Cushing give him a chance and allow him to start this weekend?  Will he bring him on as a substitute?  This is something to pay attention to, not just this weekend in Canada, but until the team signs the difference making striker.

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

With the winless streak continuing, New York City FC needs a win, and desperately.  But the team has not lost in five matches either, for they have five draws in a row.  One would think Montréal might be the team that breaks the streak, for the Pigeons have a great record against their Eastern Conference opponents. 

Yet, the Canadian team has been fantastic at home as of late, and NYCFC has been poor on the road.  That is why this week’s prediction is that the Pigeons will lose, 2-1.  This will also lead to the new winless streak record for the team.

The tide has to eventually change, but not in the near future.  The trip to Montréal will not act as the catalyst for New York City FC to change fortunes, and sadly another winless game is expected.