Here are the three key takeaways for Montreal Impact from their 1-1 draw against New York City FC at the Yankee Stadium in week three.

Montreal Impact came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against New York City FC in the third MLS game of the season for both Eastern Conference teams. The away side was second best for most of the contest, but somehow managed to leave the Bronx with a point courtesy of a 68th minute Dominic Oduro equalizer which canceled out Rodney Wallace’s first half opening goal.

Mauro Biello switched up his team’s formation for this match due to the absence of Marco Donadel. Callum Mallace and Hernan Bernadello were the deep lying midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Patrice Bernier playing right behind the striker.

Victor Cabrera’s impressive performance in the week two draw against Seattle Sounders meant that he was preferred to Hassoun Camara, who was back in the squad after completing a suspension.

1. Montreal Impact display great team spirit to gain a point

The Impact players started slowly and were often caught napping in possession in the first 45 minutes of the encounter, which presented gilt-edged chances to the likes of Jack Harrison, David Villa, and Alexander Ring, before Rodney Wallace’s breakthrough in the 44th minute. However, things started to change for the away side following Dominic Oduro’s second-half strike.

Transitioning well from defense to attack, Mauro Biello’s men showcased that they still had the appetite to go on and get a positive result. They looked a lot more confident in possession and put in a robust second-half display to take the game to the Blues, who almost played like the away team at certain moments.

Montreal Impact ended the match with more shots on target (five to NYCFC’s four) despite taking fewer shots on goal (13 to NYCFC’s 18) and boasted a greater pass accuracy in the final third (63% to NYCFC’s 59%). They also crossed the ball better their opponents, with six of their 12 attempted crosses (50%) reaching the intended target (NYCFC had a 29% cross accuracy).