Owusu, Gillier guide Montreal to victory over reeling NYCFC

MONTREAL — CF Montreal continued its perfect start under interim manager Philippe Eullaffroy, earning a 1-0 win over New York City FC at Stade Saputo on Saturday afternoon.

Prince Owusu had the goal for Montreal (3-6-0), with earned its fourth consecutive win over New York (3-4-3).

Sticking with the same formation that saw it comfortably defeat Red Bull New York last week, Montreal opened the game in a similar manner.

From the start, Montreal limited the available space high up the field, forcing turnovers and establishing a physical presence in all phases of play. After 20 minutes of play, Owusu struck first and continued his excellent form under Eullaffroy.

After muscling defender Kai Trwein out of the way, Owusu was able to get a lunging foot on the end of a Matty Longstaff cross. New York was able to grow into the game much more following the goal and enjoyed much more of the ball.

Yielding to the pressure, Montreal dropped into a lower and more compact block, effectively depriving New York of any real scoring opportunities.

Both teams held the status quo in the opening stages of the first half, as it was now Montreal’s turn to grow into the game. After gaining more of a foothold, they found increased progress down the left flank.

That success would significantly complicate life for New York, which would see right back Tayvon Gray pick up two yellow cards in four minutes and force the squad to go down a man. However, there has been recent precedent that kept them in the tie.

Montreal’s experience with a man advantage this season has been nothing short of disastrous. Over two separate occasions this season, they have yet to score and have conceded four times, throwing away three points in the process.

While New York had a golden opportunity to tie the game just moments after the red card, Montreal held on for its second consecutive win for the first time since Oct. 2024.

Montreal: Will head to Mercedes Stadium to face Atlanta United on May 2.

New York: Will travel to Red Bull New York for a US Open Cup edition of the Hudson River Derby on Apr. 19.