The Orlando Pride had a frustrating night at home, losing 2-0 to NJ/NY Gotham FC in front of their fans. In addition to ending a run of victories against their East Coast rivals, this is their first home defeat to Gotham in NWSL regular-season play since April 2023.
⚽ Match Analysis
Orlando had a strong start to the game, coming out on top and appearing ready to take the lead. But Gotham was the first to break the flow of play.
13’ | Goal – Esther González (Gotham 1–0 Orlando)
Spanish striker Esther González calmly slotted home after being set up by Rose Lavelle, punishing the Pride’s defensive lapse.
45+1’ | Goal – Jaelin Howell (Gotham 2–0 Orlando)
Just before halftime, Gotham doubled their lead when Jaelin Howell fired past Anna Moorhouse in stoppage time, leaving Orlando with a mountain to climb.
The Pride made progress in the second half, but they were unable to get back into the game. Gotham’s compact shape and disciplined defending frustrated the hosts, ensuring they left Florida with all three points.
🗣️ From the Manager – Seb Hines
Head coach Seb Hines admitted disappointment but praised the effort of his players:
“Obviously, disappointed with the result. Felt the players worked extremely hard. I thought we started really well. We’re just in this moment right now together and we need to help each other get out of this moment to go and win games. I can’t fault the players’ efforts. We’re going to continue to work hard, we’re going to continue to strive to turn it around, and we won’t give up.”
📊 Match Notes
Kylie Nadaner made her 81st regular-season start, tying Pride legend Ashlyn Harris for 2nd all-time in club history.
Anna Moorhouse started her 47th straight match, extending her streak as the second-longest run of consecutive starts in Pride history.
Seb Hines rotated his squad, making three changes to the XI: forward Prisca Chilufya and defenders Kerry Abello and Rafaelle all returned to the lineup.
🔜 What’s Next?
The Pride quickly shift focus to a historic milestone: their first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup appearance.
- 🆚 LD Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
- 📍 Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
- 🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 1
- 🕖 7 p.m. ET
- 📺 Paramount+
It will be Orlando’s first match in the Group Stage, offering the club a chance to make its mark on the international stage.
