Entering the fourth game of the NWSL season, NJ/NY Gotham FC fans might be a little nervous. The team is 1-1-1 and has scored just one goal in the 2026 campaign. They do have two clean sheets, but their recent performances, especially from the midweek match against Denver Summit FC, leave so much to be desired. And things will not get easier as the Bats face the Orlando Pride this weekend in a rematch of the semifinals from the NWSL Playoffs.
The pressure will be immense on the squad, and Gotham FC must shake off their past few games and play the way they know they can play. Not having certain players should not matter; there is too much talent to be playing like a team that did not compete and eventually won the NWSL Championship in 2025. Juan Carlos Amorós must put out his best Starting XI available and not worry about rotation unless it is a player coming back from injury.
Meanwhile, Orlando also has a 1-1-1 record. However, the Florida side has scored five goals, including three in the win against Chicago Stars FC. Hence, one can view their start as being better compared to Gotham. And sure, the Bats won the last two games, both being in Orlando, but it is clear that is the past. The current state of affairs is that the NJ/NY team is having one of their slow starts to a season that has plagued them in the past.
Regardless of how difficult this game will be, anything less than three points is not acceptable. Gotham FC does not want to go three matches without a win at home; that would look extremely bad.
How to watch Gotham FC’s game with Orlando
Date
Time
7:00 PM ET
How to watch on TV and streaming
Victory+, a free streaming service
How to listen
Unknown at this time
How to watch in person
Gotham supporters can watch the fixture in person at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
How to follow
Fans can follow the game on Gotham’s social media accounts, the NWSL feed on the NWSL website, and other websites like ESPN.com.
Final notes
One rookie who should start is clearly Jordynn Dudley. It feels like she is getting closer and closer to scoring her first NWSL goal, and Gotham FC could really use her help. But other attackers, like Katie Lampson, also must find the back of the net. Once some of these players start to score, then things should move in the right direction for the Bats.
