Spanish striker David Villa scored twice as New York City FC edged the Montreal Impact 2-1 on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Josh Saunders was sensational in the win, making eight saves for NYCFC (5-8-5).
Ignacio Piatti scored from the penalty spot for Montreal (5-7-3), which lost for the first time at Saputo Stadium since May 9.
Just minutes after Piatti tied the game late, Villa curled a free kick from an advanced position around Montreal's wall and past goalkeeper Evan Bush for his second goal of the game.
New York City has now defeated Montreal twice in three weeks after winning 3-1 at Yankee Stadium on June 13.
It looked like Montreal and NYCFC would share the spoils after Piatti scored from the spot in the 77th minute. After New York's Thomas McNamara handled the ball in the box, Piatti made no mistake for his team-high fifth goal of the season.
Despite the loss, Montreal dominated much of the encounter -- outshooting New York 25-5.
The home side tore holes in New York's defence throughout the first half. The Impact came close to scoring on several occasions by sending through balls over the top of the NYCFC defenders.
In the 16th minute, Piatti beat Saunders from roughly 10 yards out, but defender Shay Facey blocked the shot.
Minutes later, midfielder Dilly Duka was sent in all alone on goal, but Saunders charged out of his net and got an arm on the shot.
In the 26th minute, Saunders came up big again, diving to his left to prevent Calum Mallace's shot from flying into the top corner of the net.
After intense and sustained pressure by the home side, Villa put New York City ahead against the run of play.
Following a failed clearance by Laurent Ciman, Villa fired home his team-leading seventh goal of the season from a tight angle in the 34th minute.
