MONTRÉAL – CF Montréal was eliminated from the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs, losing 3-1 to New York City FC on Sunday afternoon at Stade Saputo, in the Eastern Conference semifinal round.
Maximiliano Moralez (6'), Hébert (45'+3) and Talles Magno (61', penalty) scored for New York, while Djordje Mihailovic (85') responded for Montreal late in the game.
New York City FC will face Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference final next Sunday at Subaru Park, while LAFC will host the winner of the Austin-Dallas match in the Western Conference final.
COMPLETE SUMMARY HERE.
GAME NOTES
-This was the first loss in five playoff games at Stade Saputo.
-It was Kei Kamara's 16th career playoff game.
-Mihailovic scored in his third straight game (regular season and playoffs).
WILFRIED NANCY
“Impossible is an opinion. In terms of our history. We always believed that we could do something good. We would have liked to go further and continue the adventure. Little by little we have earned the respect of the league this season. Montreal is recognized today because of what we do. But we must also not forget that New York City are champions. They have very good players and congratulations to them.”
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON
“It was tough. Having played what we considered our best half of football this season but going into halftime 2-0 down was difficult. We’re disappointed. New York is a good team. They picked their moments. We could have been more decisive. It’s a bummer because we have a special group. The support of the crowd was unbelievable. We felt we had the group to lift a trophy. It was nice to see. We’re not just a team worth cheering for. We’re an exciting team that everyone can get behind. But when you play against really good teams like New York City, they turn half chances into goals.”
SAMUEL PIETTE
“I was a bit surprised how aggressive New York City started the game. But when a team presses you like that, you have to be careful. We had a shaky start. But I though we responded well. We were all over them after that first goal. Their goalkeeper was unbelievable.”
