Gotham FC’s 2025 home opener at the newly named Sports Illustrated Stadium was yesterday evening against Orlando Pride. The atmosphere was set for a clash between the last two NWSL champions.
The Bats would get off to a tough start, however. Within the first minute Orlando scored off an own goal from newcomer Lilly Reale off a free kick. The rookie was facing her own goal as the ball came into the 18 and hit off her leg.
The rest of the first half proved to be an uphill battle for Gotham as they were able to get into the attacking third on many occasions, but to no avail. The opportunities were there and the Bats were able to get good looks at goal, but the quality of finishing was not helping them to get on the scoreboard.
At the end of the first half defender Jess Carter would commit a bad foul in the 18, giving Orlando a penalty to go up 0-2. With Orlando’s and soccer legend Marta stepping up to take the penalty there was no denying that the Pride would double their lead going into half time, which they did.
The second half would start with Gotham having majority of possession. They would get some shots off on goal but none on target to test the Orlando keeper. Gotham Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros would make some substitutions early on in the second half, with Bruninha and Taryn Torres coming on for Jess Carter and Nealy Martin. The game would become more open as the half went on, but Gotham would come out with nothing to show for their effort. The match would end 0-2 in favor of Orlando leaving the Bats 0-1-1 for the start of the season.
Looking at things on the offensive end, Gotham is struggling with the build up to goal. They have no trouble getting into their attacking third, but struggle with the creativity it takes to get off a solid shot on goal. The game ended with Gotham having 13 shots at goal, but only two were on target. It is clear that the chances are there and they are getting close enough to goal to get a shot off, but the quality of finishing is currently lacking as none of the two shots on target really tested the Pride’s goalkeeper.
Gotham came into the season with many new faces leading to a rebuild of chemistry. They were also without Rose Lavelle, who was out with injury, and Mandy Freeman, out with a red card suspension, two players in the starting 11. Last season, the Bats were able to quickly build chemistry within the team as the start of last season was also a bit rocky. Hopefully, this season they can do the same as fans anticipate the return of Midge Purce from last season’s season ending injury.
