FC Montreal Bounce Back

Victor N’Diaye Secures Last-Minute 2-2 Draw Versus New York

SportsTristan D’Amours — Published June 7, 2015

Goals by forward Manolo Sanchez and midfielder Leo Stolz were thought to be enough for New York, as they held a 2-1 lead for most of the second half before N’Diaye’s equalized for the bleu-blanc-noir.

It only took four minutes for New York Red Bulls II to open the score. Sanchez took a powerful shot from the right side of the box which was partially saved by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. However, the ball also deflected off the left post and still made its way in the goal.

Montreal tied the game in the 24th minute thanks to Alessandro Riggi’s tying goal. Riggi received a low cross from forward Frédéric Lajoie-Gravelle, who initially had other plans with his possession.

“I admit that I missed my shot and I was lucky that Riggi was there to take the ball,” said Lavoie-Gravelle “But I knew he would be there because it’s always like this with him.”

Lavoie-Gravelle also gave credit to attacking midfielder Zakaria Messoudi, who put pressure on the defender who lost the ball and created the chance in the first place.

In the second half, Stolz scored on a free kick to put his club up 2-1. His perfect shot hit the upper left-hand corner and Crepeau had no chance at saving the shot.

The final minutes of the game were mostly spent in New York’s side of the field as Montreal were desperately seeking a game-tying goal. Finally in stoppage time, FC Montreal found what they were looking for.

Off a play started by midfielder Emad Houache, N’Diaye managed to get his foot on a loose ball given away by the New York Red Bulls II goalkeeper. N’Diaye’s goal ignited the fans in attendance who couldn’t believe the last-minute goal.

“When I saw that Emad [Houache] wasn’t going to beat his man with his hook, I hurried, I shot and it made a weird curve to make its way in,” said N’Diaye.

FC Montreal will try to build on their moral victory for their next United Soccer League match as they host Louisville City FC, Orlando City SC’s USL affiliate, on Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium.