CF Montreal rallies to draw with Red Bulls, with Josef Martinez scoring two goals

HARRISON, N.J. — Josef Martinez scored two second-half goals to help CF Montreal rally for a 2-2 tie with the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night. 

The game was delayed an hour 44 minutes at halftime because of thunderstorms in the area. 

“We watched a little bit of video of the first half, during the weather delay,” Martinez said. “We have to be better because we conceded the first goal but the rain helped us a little bit. 

“They pushed a lot in the first half. They were at home so obviously they are more confident but the weather helped us a little bit and you know, it’s soccer.”

Montreal (6-9-9) has three wins and just one loss in its last five games. New York (9-4-11) is unbeaten (with just one win) in seven consecutive games since a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on June 8.

Martinez capped the scoring when he converted from the penalty spot in the 81st minute. Jules-Anthony Vilsaint drew a foul in the area, conceded by Sean Nealis.

After video review, Nealis was shown a red card (denial of a scoring opportunity) in the 80th minute and the Red Bulls played a man down the rest of the way. 

Wiki Carmona ripped a rolling shot from 25-yards out that slipped inside the post to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. The 21-year-old, in his fourth MLS season, has three goals this season, surpassing his career total of two coming into the season. 

Matías Coccaro tapped a free kick from just outside the area to a near-by Martinez, who blasted a one-touch shot that ricocheted off Montreal’s Nathan Saliba into the net to make it 1-1 in the 67th minute. 

Martínez’s goals were the 10th and 11th scored by a Montreal substitute this season, which set a club record.

“I think the fresh legs from Josef Martínez and Jules-Anthony Vilsaint coming on really open the game up for us,” winger Ariel Lassiter said. “I think that all the subs today really showed that they can be playing. 

“That’s a really important point for us on the road, and getting a result here in New York is definitely not easy.”

Montreal’s Mathieu Choinière, making his first appearance since May 29, re-directed a corner kick into the net for an own goal that gave the Red Bulls a 2-1 lead in the 75th. 

The Red Bulls and Montreal also played to a 2-2 tie on June 19.

CF Montreal is at home to Toronto FC on Saturday. New York is on the road against Cincinnati.

CF Montreal put on an impressive performance as they rallied to draw with the New York Red Bulls in a thrilling MLS match. The star of the show was Josef Martinez, who scored two goals to help his team secure a valuable point.

The game got off to a fast start, with both teams creating chances in the early stages. The Red Bulls took the lead in the 20th minute through a well-taken goal from their striker, but CF Montreal responded quickly. Martinez showed his class by scoring a brilliant equalizer just five minutes later, showcasing his clinical finishing ability.

The Red Bulls regained the lead in the second half, but CF Montreal refused to give up. Martinez once again stepped up when his team needed him most, scoring a late equalizer to salvage a draw for his side. His goals were a testament to his skill and determination, as he proved to be a constant threat to the Red Bulls defense throughout the match.

Overall, it was a hard-fought game between two talented teams, and CF Montreal will be pleased with their performance. The draw keeps them in contention for a playoff spot, while the Red Bulls will be disappointed to have let their lead slip away. Martinez’s heroics will undoubtedly be remembered by fans of both teams, as he showed why he is considered one of the top strikers in MLS.

In conclusion, CF Montreal’s rally to draw with the Red Bulls was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the excitement and drama of MLS soccer. Martinez’s two goals were the highlight of the match, and his performance will surely be remembered by fans for years to come.