CF Montreal face NYCFC one point from securing playoff spot

Field Level Media|published: Fri 18th October, 15:12 2024

Oct 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; CF Montreal forward Josef Martinez (17) celebrates with defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (11) after scoring a goal against Atlanta United in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

CF Montreal will play host to New York City FC on Decision Day, looking to secure one of two wild-card spots still up for grabs in the Eastern Conference.

Montreal (10-13-10, 40 points) has earned points in five of its last six matches (4-1-1) entering Saturday's contest.

CF Montreal will need a win or a draw against NYCFC to secure a postseason berth, but a loss still could qualify them for a wild-card spot, depending on Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union results, as well as some tiebreaker scenarios.

"We're really focused on the game. We're trying to keep the mind really calm," defender Fernando Alvarez said. "We can't be too excited or too nervous about the game. We're trying to be focused on what we need to do."

Veteran forward Josef Martinez has paced Montreal this season with 10 goals and three assists in 22 matches. Midfielder Caden Clark, who was acquired from Minnesota United in August, has three goals and three assists over his last six appearances.

NYCFC blanked Montreal 2-0 on July 3 in the only other meeting between the clubs this season.

NYCFC (14-11-8, 50 points) have points in four straight matches (3-0-1) and head to Montreal looking to move up the table from the fifth spot after already earning a playoff spot. NYCFC are two points behind fourth-place Orlando City, who are set to face Atlanta United.

Finishing in fourth place to earn home-field advantage in Round One would be welcome, but maintaining late season momentum is NYCFC's true goal Saturday.

"There's energy within the group, and that has to continue going into the postseason," NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing said. "Fourth place is our target, and our eyes are on that.

"For me, it's about trying to win the game. We don't achieve anything in the sense of finishing in fourth place if we don't win the game."

Alonso Martinez has paced NYFC with 16 goals and three assists in 25 matches this season, while midfielder Santiago Rodriguez has 12 goals and 10 assists in 31 matches.

--Field Level Media

Latest