A great defensive performance for Di Tullio

DAY

Like Jason Di Tullio's great battle with brain cancer, CF Montreal held off mighty New York City FC with a 0-0 draw on Saturday evening, at Stade Saputo. 

The emotion was palpable in the amphitheater at the start of the game, when a moving tribute to the memory of the assistant coach was observed. A video showing the highlights of Di Tullio's career was shown on the giant screen. Some players and head coach Wilfried Nancy could not hold back their tears, all affected by the death of the one who had the Bleu-Blanc-Noir tattooed on his heart.

The seventh minute was reserved for a moment of silence for “La Grinta”, CF Montreal knocking on the door with its first good chance of the match.

Hi Jason, and thank you. #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/ur1Vo793Vr

— CF Montreal (@cfmontreal) July 30, 2022

It was not the opportunities that were lacking for the local favorites, who struggled to cross the opposing defensive curtain. CF Montreal attempted 13 shots, but only one was on target.

New York City was playing its first game without forward Valentin Castellanos, who transferred to Girona this week. The Argentine was Major League Soccer's top scorer for the past two years.

The visitors would have needed Castellanos' spark, being bottled up in their territory most of the time. Authors of a few counter-attacks, they only directed two shots towards the cage of James Pantemis, these not being even on target.

The draw verdict nevertheless allowed Montreal to climb to third in the Eastern Conference standings. He remains nine points behind the Philadelphia Union and six points behind his opponent of the day.

Nancy's squad will only have a few days off before meeting the sword with the Columbus Crew , Wednesday.