Frank Lampard could not prevent New York City slipping to a 3-2 home defeat to Montreal Impact on his Major League Soccer debut.

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard made his long-overdue New York debut as a second-half substitute on Saturday - more than a year after initially signing for the club.

Lampard spent last season on loan at Manchester City and was then forced to wait even longer for his New York debut after suffering a calf strain last month.

The 37-year-old entered the fray at Yankee Stadium with New York trailing 2-1, after former Barcelona striker David Villa had fired his 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot to halve Montreal's lead.

Live MLS

Dominic Oduro and Ignacio Piatti struck in the first half to hand the visitors a commanding lead at the break, with the likes of former Italy star Andrea Pirlo largely ineffective for City.

Villa had the ball in the back of the net during a lacklustre first half, only for his effort to be chalked off for offside.

His 68th-minute penalty handed New York hope, only for Piatti to convert a spot-kick of his own with six minutes left on the clock.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Thomas McNamara still found time to hit back for New York, with Lampard lurking in the hope of a tap-in for a debut goal.

The opportunity did not present itself as New York cut the deficit back to one goal - and the veteran was unable to conjure another chance as his new side slumped to defeat.

Lampard joined the action from the bench at the same time as another ex-West Ham star, Nigel Reo-Coker, who was signed by Montreal last year.

And it was the former Aston Villa and West Ham man who would be going home happy on Saturday night.

Live MLS