NYFC forward Héber (9) celebrates his goal against CF Montreal with teammates during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
MONTREAL (AP) - Maximiliano Moralez and Héber scored goals in the first half and defending champion New York City FC went on to defeat CF Montreal 3-1 on Sunday in an Eastern Conference semifinal of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
No. 3-seed NYCFC advances to the conference finals against top-seeded Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
Moralez's goal in the 6th minute got NYCFC started and Héber made it 2-0 in the 3rd minute of first-half stoppage time, finishing off a breakaway with an assist from Santiago RodrÃguez.
Talles Magno, who subbed for Héber just a few minutes earlier, converted a penalty kick in the 61st minute for a 3-0 lead.
NYCFC has won five in a row and is unbeaten in its last five road playoff games.
Djordje Mihailovic scored in the 85th minute for Montreal. He entered the match with goals in the previous two games and assists in the past three.
The loss at Stade Saputo was stunning for Montreal, which was undefeated in five previous home playoff matches. Montreal came into this conference semifinal on a hot streak, having won five of six to finish the regular season before defeating Orlando City 2-0 in a playoff opener.
No. 2-seed Montreal was held to two goals in three matches against NYCFC this season. New York City won 4-1 at home early in the season and the return match in Montreal ended in a scoreless draw.
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CF Montréal defender Joel Waterman, right, and New York City midfielder Maximiliano Moralez, center, battle for the ball as Rudy Camacho looks on during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
CF Montreal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic kicks the ball away from NYFC forward Kevin O'Toole during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
NYFC midfielder Santiago RodrÃguez leaps over CF Montréal goalkeeper James Pantemis during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Teammates pile up on NYFC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez following his goal against CF Montreal during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
NYFC forward Héber (9) celebrates his goal against CF Montreal during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
NYFC forward Héber (9) celebrates his goal against CF Montreal with teammates during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
CF Montréal forward Kei Kamara (23) goes up for the ball over NYFC defender Thiago Martins (5) during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
CF Montréal midfielder Djordje MihailoviÄ (8) left, challenges NYFC forward Kevin O'Toole (22) during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinals soccer game in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press