NJ/NY Gotham FC returns home to Red Bull Arena on Sunday, August 29, to take on the visiting Orlando Pride on Olympic Return Night. The match will be presented to Gotham FC fans by Hackensack Meridian Health. The action kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on Paramount+ (U.S.) and Twitch (international).
Gotham FC enters Sunday’s match after dropping two games on the road. The team fell to the Portland Thorns 1-2 at Providence Park on Wednesday night. In a tale of two halves, Gotham FC conceded two first half goals from Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair and were outshot by a margin of 15-1 by the home team. The second half saw a more re-energized side that dominated possession and were able to cut the deficit in half on a classic Carli Lloyd header, reminiscent of the goal she scored against Portland in the Challenge Cup Final. Despite creating several attacking opportunities late in the game, Gotham FC was unable to find the equalizer.
With Portland’s attacking abilities and high press, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was called on early and often to help keep Gotham FC in the match. She ended the night with seven critical saves and earned Budweiser Player of the Match honors.
The Orlando Pride are also entering Sunday’s match following a loss on the road. The Pride fell 1-2 to the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. Despite Marta scoring the opening goal in the 68th minute, the team was unable to hold the win. Ashley Hatch scored the equalizer on a poor clearance in the box from Orlando, and Ashley Sanchez put away the game-winner in the 88th minute on a strike from well outside the 18 yard box to give the Spirit the come-from-behind victory.
This match will be the second time these two teams face off during the regular season. The last time they met was on June 20 at Exploria Stadium, ending in a 1-1 draw. Both goals were scored late in each half and by outside backs. Caprice Dydasco put Gotham FC ahead in the 45th minute, and Courtney Peterson scored the late equalizer in the 90th minute.
Following Sunday’s match, Gotham FC will remain at home to face the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, September 4. The team will travel to Legends Field to face Kansas City on Friday, September 10. Single and group tickets are now on sale and pricing details can be found here.
About NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Originally named Sky Blue FC, the Club underwent a major rebrand in April 2021 and officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Representing New Jersey and New York, the Club plays its National Women’s Soccer League home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Club has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC originally debuted as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The Club won its first trophy as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, Gotham FC played in the 2021 Challenge Cup Final against the Portland Thorns, the Club’s first ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
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