Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC

Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC | iNFOnews.ca
New York City FC defender Nico Cavallo, left, battles CF Montréal midfielder Hennadii Synchuk, right, for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

NEW YORK (AP) — Daniel Ríos scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time to rally CF Montreal to a 1-1 draw with New York City FC on Saturday at Citi Field.

The draw against Montreal (6-19-8) leaves NYCFC (9-12-12) on the brink of missing the playoffs. A road victory by the New York Red Bulls over Nashville SC on Sunday would end its chances.

NYCFC took a 1-0 lead into halftime after Andrés Perea took a pass from Nicolás Fernández Mercau in the 41st minute and scored his career-high fourth goal of the season. It was the ninth assist in the first full season for Fernández Mercau, who had one in 11 league appearances last year.

That’s where the scored stood until Rios delivered the equalizer.

Samsy Keita, a 17-year-old Montreal native, saved two shots in his fourth career start. He surrendered six goals in his first three outings.

Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC | iNFOnews.ca
CF Montréal midfielder Olger Escobar, right, holds the arm of New York City FC forward Agustín Ojeda (26) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Matt Freese had one save for NYCFC. Neither keeper had a save in the first half.

NYCFC was coming off a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United before falling to 5-6-6 at home. The club went 1-2-3 in October.

Montreal beat NYCFC 1-0 at home on April 25. The club was outscored 13-3 in a 0-4-2 October.

NYCFC won just one of seven matches at Citi Field, its alternate home site along with Yankee Stadium.

Up next

Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC | iNFOnews.ca
New York City FC midfielder Andrés Perea (8) kicks the ball by CF Montréal goalkeeper Samsy Keita (41) for a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Montreal: Hosts Vancouver Whitecaps to close out the regular season on Saturday.

NYCFC: At D.C. United on Saturday to finish the regular season.

Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC | iNFOnews.ca
New York City FC forward Talles Magno (11) and CF Montréal midfielder Wikelman Carmona (16) battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

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Daniel Rios scores in stoppage time to rally Montreal to 1-1 draw with NYCFC | iNFOnews.ca
New York City FC defender Thiago Martins (13), midfielder Andrés Perea (8) defender James Sands (6) and forward Talles Magno (11) defend against a direct kick by CF Montréal during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

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