Martinez leads CF Montreal to 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati in long-awaited home opener
MONTREAL — Marquee signing Josef Martinez had a goal and an assist as CF Montreal defeated FC Cincinnati 2-1 in its long-awaited Major League Soccer home opener Saturday.
The 30-year-old Martinez — a former MLS MVP who joined Montreal during the off-season — came on as a substitute in the 26th minute for injured striker Matias Coccaro. He made a strong first impression on the over 19,000 fans who braved the weather on a rainy, 4 C night at Stade Saputo.
After opening the scoring in the first half, Martinez set up Ariel Lassiter for the winning goal as Montreal (3-3-1) snapped a three-game losing streak. Montreal was coming off a 5-0 loss to Seattle Sounders FC to wrap up a season-opening six-game road trip.
Yuya Kubo scored for Cincinnati (3-2-3), which lost its second game in a row and its first on the road this season.