MLS Match Preview: CF Montreal Impact (2-12-5) vs. New York City FC (8-6-4)

Match Significance

This CF Montréal vs NYCFC MLS 2025 matchup is a critical test for both clubs. Montréal are still searching for their first home win of the season, while New York City FC are pushing to solidify their playoff position. With both teams trending in opposite directions, this fixture could have major implications for the Eastern Conference standings.

CF Montréal – Team Overview

Current Standing: 15th (last) in Eastern Conference

Record: 4W-6D-10L (18 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-W-L-D-L

Manager: Marco Donadel

Key Players: Prince Owusu, Mathieu Choinière, Jonathan Sirois

Strengths

Prince Owusu’s form (7 goals, including 3 in last 2 matches)

Strong second-half scoring (10 of 16 goals after halftime)

Motivated to end home winless streak

Concerns

Winless at home in 2025 (0W-3D-5L)

Conceded 14 goals in last 4 home matches

Missing key players: Bryce Duke, Giacomo Vrioni, Fabian Herbers (injuries); Joel Waterman (international duty)

Path to Victory

Montréal must stay compact defensively, avoid late-game collapses, and feed Owusu early to build momentum. Set pieces and second-half surges could be their best chance.

New York City FC – Team Overview

Current Standing: 8th in Eastern Conference

Record: 8W-6D-5L (30 points)

Last 5 Matches: W-D-W-L-W

Manager: Pascal Jansen

Key Players: Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martínez, Santiago Rodríguez

Strengths

In-form attack: 11 goals in last 5 matches

Hannes Wolf (8 goals) and Martínez (8 goals) leading the line

Three-match away unbeaten streak

Concerns

Missing goalkeeper Matt Freese (international duty)

Jacob Arroyave and Malachi Jones sidelined with injuries

Vulnerable when conceding early

Path to Victory

NYCFC must press high, exploit Montréal’s defensive gaps, and allow Wolf and Rodríguez to dictate tempo. Early goals could silence the home crowd and tilt the match.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 21

NYCFC Wins: 13

CF Montréal Wins: 3

Draws: 5

Last Meeting: Montréal 1–0 NYCFC (May 2025 – goal by Owusu)

Recent Trend: Montréal have won the last two meetings without conceding

Despite NYCFC’s historical dominance, Montréal have had the upper hand in recent encounters, including a 2-0 win at Stade Saputo last season.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect NYCFC to control possession and push the tempo, while Montréal will look to stay organized and strike on the counter. The midfield battle—Choinière vs Rodríguez—will be key. If NYCFC score early, they could cruise. But if Montréal hang tough, a late equalizer or upset isn’t out of the question.