3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 2-0 loss to the Orlando Pride | OneFootball

In the team's home opener, NJ/NY Gotham FC lost 2-0 to the Orlando Pride. This was an unfortunate reversal from last year's home encounter with the Pride where the Bats came away 3-1 victors in their strongest performance of the season.

An early own goal from Lilly Reale and a stoppage-time penalty kick conversion in the first half from Marta ultimately was enough to see the visitors leave New Jersey with all three points. This result saw Orlando win their first two matches of the season while Gotham walked away with just one point from their first two games.

Despite the early own goal, Reale came back and played an incredibly strong game on both sides of the ball. It was already a baptism by fire having her first start come against Marta and Barbra Banda. Then, throw in the early own goal and she very easily could have spiraled. But credit must be given to her as she did not let that moment affect her and played a very good game from that point on.

A lot like last week, Gotham FC can take some positives and moral victories from this match despite the loss. And while this is obviously a less-than-ideal start to the season, remember it is a marathon, not a sprint. As such, here are three things we learned from the loss.

3 things we learned From Gotham FC's home opener defeat to Orlando

3. Lilly Reale is ready for the pro level

As mentioned earlier, Reale had a strong showing despite the early blunder. It was already a baptism by fire by playing against a top Orlando side in her pro debut. Add on top of that an awful and probably somewhat embarrassing incident not even 90 seconds into the game and she would be forgiven for letting that affect her. Not only did she shake it off quickly, but she was arguably one of Gotham FC's better players and made some excellent plays on both sides of the ball.

Reale was arguably the most pro-ready of Gotham's rookie class this season given she was a four-year starter at the college soccer powerhouse UCLA. She showed it today in not just her performance but her mental fortitude in quickly getting over that moment that many other young players would have carried with them throughout the rest of the game. One should expect Reale to be back in the starting XI sooner rather than later.

2. Orlando is still a difficult team for Gotham FC and the NWSL

While many people picked teams like the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current to dethrone the Orlando Pride after their historic 2024 season, they have shown Gotham FC and the NWSL in the first two weeks of NWSL play that they are still the team to beat in this league. The NJ/NY side by all measures played a good game against Orlando, beating them in the majority of statistical categories. But the Pride executed their game plan to a tee and came out of New Jersey with a crucial three points.

They knew their defense was good enough to soak up whatever Gotham could throw at them and that they could make them pay on the counterattack. Additionally, the Florida side has shown in the first two weeks of the regular season that they can beat any team, home or away, in many different ways. Gotham FC is still one of the better clubs in this league, but this loss showed they still have a way to go before they are on the level of the Pride.

1. This slow start to the season may drag on for a little while for Gotham FC

In 2024, Gotham got off to a slow start to their season winning just one of their first five matches. And while they recovered to their best regular season ever, one wonders whether those first five matches cost them a chance at the Shield as the gap to first was just four points.

While it is only two games into the season, some of the same problematic signs from last year are popping up again. They are playing well but not getting the results, they had to embed multiple new signings into the team, and key players like Midge Purce and Rose Lavelle have yet to play for the Bats due to recovering from their injuries.

The upcoming schedule does not make it easier either. Four of their next five are on the road starting with a rejuvenated Houston Dash team that looks much better than the uncompetitive mess they were last year. This is then followed by a visit from the North Carolina Courage who like Gotham sit on one point after two matches. Afterward, there is a three-game road trip starting with a visit to Angel City FC, a midweek game at Portland Thorns FC, and lastly a visit to the Washington Spirit.

That is a very difficult run of games. Walking away with at least three wins from these fixtures would be great all things considered and a good way to get the season back on track.