3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 2-0 loss to the Orlando Pride

On Sunday, NJ/NY Gotham FC traveled to Florida to face the undefeated Orlando Pride in what would be a difficult match. They had been on a solid run in NWSL play of late, having won the last four competitive games. The ladies returned to the league while welcoming back their Olympians. They had a wonderful home performance against Portland Thorns FC, with goals coming from Ella Stevens and Yazmeen Ryan.   

In Orlando, Rose Lavelle and Crystal Dunn returned to the Starting XI for the Bats, with Juan Carlos Amorós putting out his best lineup against the unstoppable Orlando Pride. Stevens saw another start in the striker position after her goal against Portland, with Ryan starting over Katie Stengel. Tierna Davidson started at center-back with her USWNT teammate Emily Sonnett and summer signing Jess Carter in the backline as well.  

Unfortunately, their best lineup was not enough to get a result after falling 2-0 to the Orlando Pride. The defense gave up an early brace to Adriana, while the attack failed to find the back of the net which resulted in their fourth loss.   

Gotham still has work to do as they head into the final months of the season. Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s loss to the Orlando Pride. 

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 2-0 loss

1. Is Gotham FC’s best not enough? 

Gotham FC continues to have a solid season as reigning NWSL champions, keeping a 10-4-4 record. The addition of multiple World Cup and Olympic Gold winners brought a huge boost offensively for the side. Their defense is even better, allowing only 15 goals in 18 games, second least in the league. However, why can't the bats come out strong against the top teams?   

Earlier in the campaign, they picked up a draw to the Kansas City Current, while also losing twice to the Washington Spirit. One had to do with depth. With offseason transactions and players retiring, the depth of their squad is not as strong as last season, with inexperience and young players available as an option off the bench.   

Another is injuries. Esther González is still not 100 percent from her foot injury, while Lynn Williams remains out. Seven players are currently on their injured list, which has been a problem all season. With eight games left, Gotham FC has to figure out how to come out strong against the stronger teams to make another run in the playoffs. 

2. It was Rose Lavelle vs Orlando Pride 

It always seems like whenever Gotham does not perform their best, it is Lavelle to the rescue. She had a stellar performance besides taking the loss, recording three chances while making four recoveries and maintaining a 74 percent pass percentage.

She has transformed the dynamic of the attack since joining the team, while surprisingly mostly keeping healthy following a few seasons of injury issues. Not to mention that she is also one of the top midfielders in the world, especially after leading the USWNT to a Gold Medal at the Olympics.  

Whenever Gotham FC does not seem to be connecting, fans can always count on Lavelle to pull out some magic to produce for the team, with five goals and one assist in 14 appearances, nine of them coming as starts.

3. This is just the beginning of a long month  

Gotham will play four more NWSL matches this month and six total, totaling seven altogether in September. After facing Orlando, three of their four NWSL opponents are toward the lower part of the table.

This month will be huge for the Bats as they are expected to take as many points as possible to work on the high seeding for the playoffs. They will start with the Houston Dash, who are last in the league, having already lost to Gotham 1-0 earlier.   

They will also face Seattle Reign FC again, a 2023 NWSL rematch following a 1-1 deadlock on June 30. If Gotham FC can get their players healthy again, then September will be a breeze, with high expectations for the team heading into the cooler fall months.