Alonso Martínez, Matt Freese lead New York City to 2-0 victory over Montreal

New York City FC midfielder James Sands defends the ball against CF Montreal forward Matías Cóccaro during an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Rookie Alonso Martínez scored a goal in each half and Matt Freese had three saves to lead New York City FC to a 2-0 victory over CF Montreal on Wednesday night.

Martínez took a pass from fellow rookie Hannes Wolf in the ninth minute and connected with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box for the only goal Freese would need on the way to his fourth clean sheet of the season for New York City (11-8-2).

Martínez netted his eighth goal of the campaign — in the 56th minute — with assists from Wolf and James Sands.

Wolf has six assists on the season, while Sands' helper was his second and the fourth of his career.

Martínez had not scored since he subbed in and finished with a hat trick in a 5-1 road victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on the last day of May.

It was the seventh start and 14th appearance for Martínez, who did not have a goal contribution in three appearances covering 30 minutes last season.

Jonathan Sirois saved five shots in goal for Montreal (5-9-7).

NYCFC leads the all-time series 12-2-5. 

Montreal last earned a point against NYCFC in a scoreless draw at Yankee Stadium on April 6, 2019.

Montreal has won just twice in its last 11 road matches, going 0-4-2 in the last six.

The club has been outscored 15-3 in the four losses.

NYCFC hits the road for its next four matches after improving to 8-3-1 at home this season.

Montreal returns home to play the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. New York City travels to play Austin FC on Saturday.