NJ/NY Gotham FC travels to Exploria Stadium to face the Orlando Pride this Saturday, October 9. This crucial battle in the NWSL playoff race kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed exclusively on Twitch for both U.S.-based viewers and international viewers. The match will be presented digitally to Gotham FC fans by Saker Shoprites.
Gotham FC enters Saturday’s test coming off Wednesday’s emotional 0-0 draw against the Washington Pride at Subaru Park in Philadelphia. Battling to a scoreless draw in its first action in ten days, Gotham FC pushed Washington to the brink, but was unable to break through their back line in Carli Lloyd’s hometown farewell match. Imani Dorsey was awarded Budweiser Player of the Match for her lock-down performance. Unbeaten in its last three games, Gotham FC will look to build on momentum from the past month to continue its push towards the upper half of the NWSL standings.
The Pride enter Saturday’s match off a 3-0 loss to OL Reign Sept. 26. Prior to that, they enjoyed a three-game unbeaten streak which started with a triumph over Gotham FC on Aug. 29. Orlando currently holds the sixth and final playoff spot in the NWSL standings, sitting at 28 points with a record of 7-6-7.
Saturday’s match will prove pivotal in either closing the playoff gap for Gotham FC or separating Orlando from the pack.
This will be the third and final matchup between Gotham FC and Orlando this season. Their first game resulted in a 1-1 draw, with Caprice Dydasco scoring for the NJ/NY side only to see a 90th minute equalizer from Courtney Petersen of Orlando. The second match went in favor of Orlando courtesy of a 49th minute score from Erika Tymrak leading to a 1-0 win for the Pride.
Gotham FC will continue its playoff push next week in a critical matchup with the North Carolina Courage on October 17. From there the road trip moves onward to Kansas City before returning to Red Bull Arena for a final meeting with Racing Louisville FC on October 31. Tickets to Carli Lloyd’s final regular season match can be purchased 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.
