Orlando Pride's unbeatable streak has come to a screeching halt with their latest 3-1 defeat to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Despite a season that saw them go unbeaten for 23 consecutive games and secure the 2024 NWSL Shield, the Pride seems to have hit a snag, dropping consecutive matches. Last night's game at Red Bull Arena marked the second loss for the Pride, who still hold the No. 1 seed as the playoffs loom on the horizon, according to Orlando City Soccer Club's match report.
Gotham FC took the lead early on with a goal from Sam Hiatt, and although the Pride managed to quickly even the score with a penalty kick by Adriana, Gotham pushed ahead before the break with a goal from Rose Lavelle. In an attempt to come back strong after half-time, the Pride could not stop Ella Stevens from extending Gotham's lead close after the second half started, as reported by WFTV. That two-goal cushion proved enough for Gotham FC to win the game.
Head Coach Seb Hines voiced his concerns after the match, speaking about the team's need to rediscover its form. "We just have to get back to who we are and our identity. We need to work extremely hard and not allow teams to work harder than us once we step onto that field," Hines stated, per WFTV.
During this match, The Pride's lineup saw five changes from their previous game, with players like Morgan Gautrat and Marta reentering the starting eleven. In a crucial move, Barbra Banda drew a penalty, resulting in Adriana’s equalizing goal. However, this was insufficient to swing the momentum back in their favor. “We showed our quality at times and we showed, if we don’t handle the ball with better care, you get punished for it,” Hines explained in a statement detailed by Orlando City Soccer Club. Hines also noted that Gotham was playing with high stakes, striving to secure their place as the second-ranked team in the league.
The Pride now look hopefully ahead to a well-deserved break from play, courtesy of the upcoming international fixtures, before they face the Seattle Reign at home on November 2. Tickets for the showdown at Inter&Co Stadium and those for the forthcoming 2024 Playoff matches are available on Orlando Pride's official website.
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