Harrison, NJ (May 14, 2023) — Gotham FC’s returned home to Red Bull Arena on Sunday, where the club battled to a 0-0 draw against the Orlando Pride on a night that recognized Ali Krieger and Allie Long on Mother’s Day in addition to celebrating the Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.
In a match that produced close chances for both sides, Goalkeeper Abby Smith earned Gotham FC Player of the Match presented by CarMax after a six-save performance that included a first-half save to parry a shot over the crossbar, a double save in the waning minutes before halftime, and a diving, second-half stoppage time save to preserve the clean sheet.
Offensively, Gotham FC had a near-finish in the 12th minute, when midfielder Kristie Mewis broke through the center of the park, placing a perfect ball in-stride for forward Taylor Smith to strike on target. The forward’s shot rattled off the near post.
In the 59th minute, Mewis drew a foul outside the box. The U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder lined up for the set piece. However, the shot hit the inside of the wall.
The club’s chances continued in the 84th minute, as forward Delanie Sheehan sent a pass into forward Yazmeen Ryan on the left side. Ryan’s shot on goal was saved by Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
Gotham FC maintained 56 percent of the possession and showed the versatility of its lineup by moving players into different positions throughout the match. Forward Taylor Smith started at left wing up front before switching to right back late in the first half. The result marks Gotham FC’s first home draw of the season and the club's first draw of the regular season. Gotham FC now ranks third in NWSL standings with 13 points, sitting in a two-way tie for second-place with OL Reign. However, the OL Reign move ahead based on the goal-differential tie-breaker.
Gotham FC’s next two matches are on the road, at OL Reign on Sunday, May 21 and at Washington Spirit on Sunday, May 28. They will return home on June 4 for a Pride Night match against Alex Morgan the San Diego Wave.
Gotham FC Starting Lineup
Abby Smith, Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger (C), Kristin Edmonds, Bruninha, Yazmeen Ryan, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Taylor Smith, Lynn Williams, Sinead Farrelly
Substitutions
Delanie Sheehan (Kelley O’Hara – 55’), McCall Zerboni (Sinead Farrelly – 75’), Ifeoma Onumonu (Bruninha – 87’)
Gotham FC Starting Lineup
Abby Smith, Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger (C), Kristin Edmonds, Bruninha, Yazmeen Ryan, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Taylor Smith, Lynn Williams, Sinead Farrelly
Substitutions
Delanie Sheehan (Kelley O’Hara – 55’), McCall Zerboni (Sinead Farrelly – 75’), Ifeoma Onumonu (Bruninha – 87’)
GOTHAM FC POSTGAME QUOTES
On earning the shutout, but finishing with a scoreless tie
“We know the standard that we hold ourselves to. We want to be better and we want to win every game, but at the same time, we have to take the little wins. A shutout is big, so we’ll take a point.” - Goalkeeper Abby Smith
On Gotham FC’s ability to feature players in multiple positions throughout a match
“It’s a strength of ours, and I think that as we grow and build as a team. It’s going to be something that’s very dangerous.” – Defender Kelley O’Hara
On the match overall and the 0-0 result
“I think it’s a performance that we can build off of.We were hoping to get two consecutive wins at home back-to-back, but I think the pieces are coming together and hopefully we can get a win next game.” – Forward Taylor Smith
On Sinead Farrelly’s first start of the 2023-2024 season
“She’s a fantastic playmaker that finds gaps that gives us clarity going forward,” said Coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “Obviously she’s been out for a very long time but the longer the season goes the fitter she is, and every time she plays she’s making a positive impact.” – Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós
On changes to the lineup and utilizing players in multiple roles
“We have the collective. I think the work that we do as a group, as a team, and the understanding of everyone that comes in the game, to change position and understand their roles, whatever it is. It’s not only the back line and the goalkeepers that have been excellent, but also the rest of the team.” – Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós
On returning for a home match on Mother’s Day
“We always want to win, and it was a special day with Mother’s Day, but we always want to go forward. Today it wasn’t meant to be a win, but it was a point.” – Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós
