Gotham FC’s new-look roster shows it has work to do in shutout loss to defending-champion Orlando
In just their second game of the season, Gotham was up against their biggest test.
It was expected to be a way to see how the newly rebuilt team measured up against the defending champion Orlando Pride, who look to be even better this year, and to show fans that they’re ready to chase their second franchise title after a huge roster overhaul in the offseason.
However, their home opener at Sports Illustrated Stadium ended in a 2-0 loss on Sunday evening that was largely from Gotham’s own doing, proving they have some early work to do with newly acquired players.
And it was evident just within the first two minutes of the game.
Following a foul from Gotham’s Jaelin Howell, Marta was awarded a free kick that she footed just outside the box.
Orlando’s Barbra Banda headed the ball toward the goal just before Lilly Reale mistakenly redirected the ball into her own net.
The Gotham defender immediately grabbed her head in disbelief and disappointment after handing the Pride an early 1-0 lead.
For the first half, Gotham stayed competitive against the reigning NWSL champions, who opened the season with a stunning 6-0 win over Chicago on March 15.
Possession remained even and it even turned in Gotham’s favor in the latter end of the half as they started to see some offensive spark from Esther González, Gabi Portilho, and Howell.
However, they suffered another defensive woe in the 43rd minute.
On a breakaway ball, Banda passed off to Marta, who drew a foul off of her attempted shot on Gotham defender Jess Carter.
Carter was given a yellow card and Marta netted her penalty kick in the right corner as goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger dove left, making it a 2-0 game just before the half.
In the second half Gotham led with possession and defended well, as they saved three shot attempts in a row by Orlando in the 67th minute.
However, they were unable to come up with goals of their own despite the time on their side of the field.
Following two back-to-back corner opportunities in the 73rd minute, the Gotham headers didn’t lead anywhere near the net.
Additionally, a free kick during the 83rd minute saw Howell’s shot blocked and in the following minute a corner kick came up empty handed, seeing yet another header that landed over the net.
Gotham (0-1-1) concluded the game with 15 shots, of which three were on goal, six corner kicks, and two yellow cards.
Berger also had three saves off of six shot attempts (four on goal).
Just a year ago, Gotham fielded what was thought to be a super team that would lead them to a second straight NWSL title.
However, after a solid season that saw them finish third in league standings (17-5-4), set a team record for fewest goals conceded (20) and the league’s fourth best mark in goal differential (plus-21), they lost in the semifinals to the Washington Spirit on penalties.
The disappointing ending followed with a mass exodus from the franchise, who lost forward Delanie Sheehan and defender Sam Hiatt in free agency and USWNT forwards Lynn Biyendolo and Yazmeen Ryan from trade requests, in addition to Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger also moving on.
Now with new additions in Portilho, midfielder Sofia Cook and goalkeeper Ryan Campbell, to name a few, Gotham will be tested in finding the once 2023 spark again with a whole new look.
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