NWSL NJ/NY Gotham FC

NJ/NY Gotham FC Downs Orlando, 3-0

Published on May 1, 2022 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - NJ/NY Gotham FC scored exploded for three first half goals on its way to a 3-0 victory over the Orlando Pride to begin the 2022 NWSL season. Margaret Purce and Kristie Mewis each posted a goal and an assist in the contest.

After building the lead in the first half, Gotham FC had to hold off a big push from the Pride, which held a 9-1 advantage in shots in the final 45 minutes. However, Ashlyn Harris made three of her four saves after halftime and a stalwart effort from Ali Krieger, who had 12 clearances on the night, allowed the club to secure the clean sheet.

"We know (Orlando) is a hard place to come at times with the humidity at night," head coach Scott Parkinson said. "We know how hard it is to win games in this league, never mind away from home. It's probably the first time I've said to the team all year that I expect goals and three points back to New Jersey. And they delivered that tonight."

Gotham FC strung a pair of chances together starting in the 12th minute. Purce was in the middle of the action to start the surge, splitting two defenders and sliding a centering feed to a Ifeoma Onumonu to force a blocked shot and corner. Moments later, Imani Dorsey and Caprice Dydasco attempted long chips with Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod playing up in the box. McLeod recovered on both occasions to make the stops to keep it scoreless to that point.

Orlando countered with some quality possession and corner attempts, but Gotham kept things scoreless before its breakthrough.

In the 29th minute, Mewis served up a perfect corner to McCall Zerboni, who headed it home to put the visitors in front. Just 1:46 later, Imani Dorsey hit Purce with a deep pass for a one-on-one opportunity. Purce weaved around McLeod on the left side and put it into the open net to double the advantage.

The USWNT teammates, Purce and Mewis, were at it again in the 41st minute when Purce worked the ball to the end line and crossed it to Mewis deep in the box. Mewis settled the ball, stepped into the six and finished with her left foot to cap the first-half scoring.

Gotham FC limited the Pride's chances early in the second half, but Orlando came on strong to close things out. Sydney Leroux, who came off the bench after the intermission, provided a spark and generated three shots to help the home side's push.

Despite the change in momentum, Orlando could not get one past Harris, who capped things off with a nice diving stop of Angharad James in the 87th minute to earn the 21st shutout of her career.

The three goals broke a streak of 10 matches of scoring one or fewer goals in a match for Gotham FC, dating back to the end of the 2021 season in all competitions. The margin of victory was also the most convincing win in a season opener in club history.

Gotham FC will remain on the road for its first-ever match up against the San Diego Wave on Saturday, May 7. Kickoff is slated for 10 p.m. ET and can be seen live on Twitch in the U.S. and internationally.

Tickets for all Gotham FC home games are available and can be purchased.

Check out the NJ/NY Gotham FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 1, 2022


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