3 things we learned from Gotham FC's critical win over the Orlando Pride
On Sunday, the ball was in NJ/NY Gotham FC’s court. After losing to the Washington Spirit last week, the Bats knew they needed a road win against the Orlando Pride. Otherwise, they would risk giving away their long-time first-place lead in the table and possibly lose out on the NWSL Shield.
Despite missing Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC found a way to win in Orlando. Midge Purce and Tierna Davidson scored in the 2-1 win, while Solai Washington scored the lone goal for the Pride. The home team was also relentless toward the end of the game. Thankfully, the NJ/NY side kept them from scoring a second goal, which almost happened during the chaos of stoppage time.
That win now has Gotham FC in control of their own destiny. The Washington Spirit lost their match, so they are out of contention for the Shield. That leaves San Diego Wave FC, who played to a draw with Boston Legacy FC. As such, the Bats only need a draw to guarantee first place on Decision Day. Of course, a win is preferred.
The final road game was a great result. Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC's win against the Pride.
Ann-Katrin Berger was the MVP for Gotham FC
When all is said and done, Orlando was stronger in the final third compared to Gotham FC. The Bats’ defense did well on the night, but there is no question they would likely be going home with nothing if not for Ann-Katrin Berger. The goalkeeper literally put her body on the line and needed treatment a couple of times.
However, it was probably worth it to her. She had seven saves on the night, and it was not like the shots were lackluster. The home team caused panic and mercilessly threatened the visitors.
Whether it was a kick save, going right at a goal-scoring attempt, or dealing with a powerful shot, it did not matter. Berger got the job done, and she is the reason why they are leaving with three points. Yes, Purce and Davidson scored, but as seen by Orlando’s attack, that was almost not good enough.
Gotham’s defense won on the day. That was a classic performance by the team.
No Lavelle, no Shaw, no problem
Entering the game, the Bats were without Lavelle and Shaw. They were big losses, as Bruninha and Jordynn Dudley were recently added to the SEI list. Lavelle makes a difference in Gotham’s play, while Shaw has been a goal-scoring threat.
But that did not matter in the end. While Orlando was stronger in the final third, as they had 19 shots compared to the NJ/NY side’s nine, the visitors scored two goals, and the Pride did not. Purce’s header, which looked like a chip header because it went over the Orlando goalkeeper, put the Bats in front. Then, Davidson’s rebound goal ended up being the winning goal. They were able to get the job done against a usually tough side for the team.
Gotham FC will have another dramatic Decision Day
In 2023 and 2025, when Gotham won the NWSL Championship, their Decision Days for the regular season were dramatic. In 2023, they confirmed their postseason spot on the final day after a draw with the Kansas City Current, and in 2025, while they already had a postseason spot, they lost to the North Carolina Courage. They almost had a comeback draw, but failed to end the season in a positive manner.
Of course, fans know what happened last year. But now, the NJ/NY team will try to win the NWSL Shield on Decision Day. Again, they only need a draw, and if San Diego loses, they could even lose next week. However, they do not want to leave fate in the California team’s hands.
Therefore, fans should expect Gotham FC to go all out and fight to earn that win. There is some room, but three points should be the desired goal.
