Pride Prevails: Orlando Dominates Gotham FC 2-0 in Thrilling Match!

HARRISON, N.J. (March 23, 2025) – The Orlando Pride secured a 2-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Park, marking a significant achievement as their first road win of the season. This match, part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), showcased the Pride’s strong start to the season, improving their record to 2-0-0 and earning a total of 6 points in the standings.

The match began dramatically with an own goal by Gotham’s Lilly Reale just 90 seconds into the game. This unfortunate moment set a challenging tone for Gotham FC, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match.

The Pride’s captain, Marta, was pivotal in this victory, scoring the second goal with a penalty kick just before halftime. This penalty was awarded after a foul on Angelina by Gotham’s Jess Carter, allowing Marta to convert and double the lead for Orlando.

The win was not just a boost in points; it also served as a revenge opportunity for the Pride, who had lost to Gotham FC in their previous encounter last season. Head Coach Seb Hines praised the early goal, stating, “It helped to settle the nerves of the team in a challenging away environment.”

Key Match Highlights:

1. Early Advantage: The own goal by Lilly Reale was the second fastest regular-season goal in Pride history, giving Orlando an early lead.

2. Marta’s Brilliance: Marta’s penalty goal was her 12th in NWSL history, tying her for the second most penalty makes in league history. This goal also marked her 43rd career goal across all competitions for the Pride, extending her club record.

3. Defensive Dominance: The Pride’s defense was particularly effective, recording 47 clearances and four saves from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. This match marked the first time in Pride history that they started the season with two consecutive clean sheets.

4. Gotham’s Struggles: Despite their loss, Gotham FC created several scoring opportunities, with players like Esther González and Sarah Schupansky attempting to equalize. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resilient Pride defense.

As the match progressed, the Pride continued to showcase their offensive prowess, characterized by a strong midfield presence from players like Barbra Banda and Marta, who led several counterattacks. The victory ties the Pride for the most goals scored at the start of a season in NWSL history, underscoring their potential for the remainder of the season.

Fans celebrated the win, highlighting the team’s resilience and skill on the field. The atmosphere was electric, and the Pride supporters took great pride in their team’s performance, which promises a bright future as they build momentum early in the season.

Looking ahead, Gotham FC will face a tough challenge in their next match against the Houston Dash, aiming to secure their first win of the season. Meanwhile, the Pride will return home to face the San Diego Wave on March 29, 2025, a match that will be broadcast on ESPN.

In conclusion, the Orlando Pride’s victory over Gotham FC not only adds crucial points to their standings but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season. With a solid defensive performance and key contributions from their star players, the Pride look poised to make a significant impact in the NWSL this year.