Joseph Martinez led Montreal to a 2-1 win over Cincinnati in a long-awaited home game.

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Markey Joseph Martinez had a goal and an assist as Montreal FC defeated Cincinnati 2-1 in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer game on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Martinez – a former MLS MVP who joined Montreal in the offseason – came on in the 26th minute to replace injured striker Matias Coccaro. He made an early impression on the 19,000-plus fans who braved the weather at Saputo Stadium on a rainy, 4 C night.

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After opening the scoring in the first half, Martinez set up Ariel Lassiter for the game-winning goal as Montreal (3-3-1) snapped a three-game losing streak. Montreal lost 5-0 to Seattle Sounders FC to end their season-opening six-game road trip.

Yuya Kubo scored for Cincinnati (3-2-3), which lost its second straight game and first this season.

Alec Cann started in goal as Cincinnati's starting lineup was without starting goaltender Roman Celentano in Game 2 due to injury. Defender London Agedo (leg) also missed the match.

Forwards Mahala Opoku (ankle) and Jules-Anthony Vilsaint (knee) are out for Montreal. Nathan Saliba was suspended after receiving a red card against Seattle.

Coccaro – the team's top scorer with three goals this season – came off in the 26th minute after Luca Orellano injured his right leg earlier in the match. Orellano received a yellow card in the game.

Martinez controlled Raheem Edwards' cross in the box before sending it into the bottom corner with his left foot to give Montreal a 1-0 lead in first-half injury time for just his second of the campaign.

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Cincinnati equalized in the 58th minute as Cubo calmly slotted a chance past Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Siruis after star midfielder Luciano Acosta sent him alone. Acosta, last year's league MVP, has two goals and four assists this season.

Lassiter responded quickly in the 62nd, burying a feed from Martinez past Cannes as Montreal regained the lead.

Cincinnati pushed back and controlled most of the ball in the final half hour, but couldn't score outside of Sirois.

Montreal dominated the first half, holding 54.4% possession, and had 10 shot attempts after two from Cincinnati, who picked up five yellow cards in the first 45 minutes.

The scoring chances started early as Rouen headed home in the ninth minute after a play-by-play with Mathieu Chaunier, who teed up the Brazilian full-back in the box.

Lassiter and Bryce Duke, who led Montreal's attack for most of the first half, joined the exchange in the 17th minute. However, Lassiter deflected the shot wide.

Montreal hosts Orlando City next Saturday.

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