CJS Press Box

Photo Courtesy of Gotham FC Media

HARRISON, N.J. – It happened again. Gotham FC’s Sunday match against the Orlando Pride ended in a scoreless draw, dropping the team to ninth in the league after four games. The Bats were satisfied with their ball control, defensive structure, and overall improvement from their last game, but knew their early-season struggle wasn’t over. 

Nine days, three games, zero goals – Gotham controlled the ball with over 50% possession in each match but couldn’t break through.

“We can really exploit teams and be equal to the final third, but that’s just not coming off right now, and we know that we need to effectively work on that throughout this next week…” said midfielder Sarah Schupansky after the game. “Ultimately, you can have a great performance, but if the ball’s not going into the back of the net, you’re not walking away with three points.” 

The Pride had the game’s first shot in the 7th minute, putting the Bats on the back foot early. Gotham’s first shot attempt didn’t come in until the 27th minute, when midfielder Rose Lavelle, in her 100th Gotham appearance, shot from outside the box. That marked a turning point, where the attacking half gradually picked up momentum, connecting passes and pushing the ball forward. 

This momentum built towards the end of the half, when Lavelle slipped a pass through a defender’s legs before crossing from the right to midfielder Savannah McCaskill, whose powerful shot was saved. Gotham continued to press. 

Another shot from defender Jaelin Howell. Another from Lavelle. Another from forward Esther González. The half ended before anyone could bring the ball into the net. 

“I think we have 150 passes on the final third; we dominated the game, but it was how can we then break down those moments,” said Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “Definitely little, but another step forward,” he added of the game.

After its only loss of the season against Denver Summit FC on Wednesday, March 25, Gotham was content to respond to Orlando with another clean sheet.

Captain Tierna Davidson spoke about the balance required during the team’s tight schedule over the past week and how being “nitpicky” factors into it. “You have to be able to take what you need from a game, but then leave the rest behind to prepare for the next one,” she said.

The league is challenging, Davidson described, demanding that players bring their best each week, with the unpredictability of outcomes in these competitions – sometimes not decided until matchday – that engages the fans. 

Throughout the match, fans repeatedly booed the referee as Gotham was whistled for 15 fouls and shown three yellow cards – all within 12 minutes in the second half. The list included rookie forward Jordynn Dudley, who received her first NWSL yellow card in just her third league appearance.

When asked how the crowd at Sports Illustrated Stadium affects the team and helps maintain confidence, Gotham forward Midge Purse described it as “a special place,” with fans who have celebrated championships and lived through years without a title. She also praised the loyalty of Gotham’s fans. “It’s amazing that I don’t think I really need to say anything besides, thank you, appreciate you, and we’re gonna be back next week.”

Gotham will face the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium on Sunday, April 2, meeting the team for the first time since eliminating it as the eighth seed in last season’s playoffs. 

Looking ahead, Amorós said the team needs to be strategic in preparing players to perform at their best, especially with a longer season and more games and travel than any other NWSL team. “It’s an important process, and we’re trying to put a lot of effort into that, and I feel like the team’s in a good space to find solutions for that,” he said.