Deadspin: Montreal’s Stoppage-Time Goal in a Draw Helps Eliminate NYCFC

Rios equalizes late

Montreal drew level when Luca Petrasso won possession after James Sands could not complete a pass. Petrasso sent the ball from the end line to Rios, who moved into the box and scored into the top-left corner past goalkeeper Matt Freese.

It was Rios’ seventh goal. The equalizer came two minutes into second-half stoppage time and secured a point for Montreal.

NYCFC cannot find winner

Perea had given NYCFC a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute. Montreal goalkeeper Sammsy Keita lost the ball after a soft kick, allowing Nicolas Fernandez Mercau to set up Perea for a right-footed finish.

NYCFC had several opportunities after Rios scored. Agustin Ojeda was denied two minutes later, while Brandon Craig blocked Keaton Parks’ attempt and Fernandez Mercau had a close-range shot blocked in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Results deepen recent struggles

NYCFC’s record fell to 9-12-12, with 39 points, and the team was eliminated from playoff contention. It conceded its seventh goal in second-half stoppage time. The draw extended NYCFC’s winless run against Montreal to five matches, with a 0-4-1 record in that span. NYCFC also fell to 2-6-8 across its past 15 matches and 1-3-3 in its past seven.

Montreal ends scoring drought

Montreal entered the match with a record of 6-19-8 and 26 points. Rios’ goal was the club’s first since Oct. 17. Montreal remained winless in its past five contests, going 0-3-2. Keita made three saves after recovering from the giveaway that led to Perea’s goal.