All pictures and video are thanks to Orlando Pride Communications
In the first half, 10 minutes in, and the Orlando Pride dominated all chances in attack, with Kerry Abello having a shot that went straight into Abby Smith’s hands. Onumonu should’ve gotten a yellow card due to a hard foul on Marta. Orlando stayed compact and looked for the counterplay, but Gotham failed to cut through Orlando’s compact defense. Orlando’s defense was superb throughout the first half, it stopped Gotham several times. As well, the Pride was able to turn over the ball down the mid, making it easy for Gotham to possess the ball. In the 17th minute, after a run from Adriana on the right flank, Marta failed to pick up the pass and was not able to capitalize. In the 25th minute, the Pride came very close to opening their score. Messiah Bright ran down the right flank and her shot rebound was picked up by Marta that attempted to shoot the ball but it was blocked by Abby Smith. 30 minutes in, The Pride again came very close to opening their score. Messiah Bright ran down the right flank and her shot rebound was picked up by Marta that attempted to shoot the ball but it was blocked by Abby Smith. Orlando looked solid in the first half, they just need to capitalize on their created chances. Messiah had another huge chance, but her shot hit the post and the ref deemed she was offside. 40 mins in, and the Pride dominated chances in attack, Gotham had two chances that were very well defended by the Pride’s backline. Pride’s wingers attempted to feed Messiah Bright by exploiting Gotham’s flanks. Orlando just needs to work on their finishing and the goals will come. Orlando Pride was clearly the better team in the first half. Created most chances in attack and controlled the pace of the game. 0-0 at the half.
In the second half, It was all Orlando Pride, Messiah Bright, what a game she had. What a striker, she was bothersome for Gotham defenders the entire game. She was just too physically powerful. Gotham came close to scoring, and there was a scramble in Pride’s box. But, the backline was solid to stop Gotham on its tracks. Great hustle by Orlando. The game became back and forth, with Gotham being able to exploit Orlando’s flanks through speed. Orlando’s backline remained solid. Kerry Abello came close to scoring, with another shot from a distance that, unfortunately, went completely wide. The rest of the game was just Orlando attacking, losing the ball before Gotham’s box, and then Gotham countering, both teams lacked the finishing touch. Right on stoppage time, there was a handball by Cosme, that after VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Gotham. Gotham scored the winning goal and sealed their win. They were not the better team, but again little minor mistakes and unfair ref calls cost the Pride big time. After the penalty goal, the Pride lost their compactness on defense and Lynn Williams was able to score the 2-0 Gotham. She carved their defense with speed and a great finish. The Orlando Pride lost at home against Gotham. Gotham was not the better team throughout the 90 minutes, the Pride was. Orlando needs to work on finishing the attacking play, they have the players to do so.
Orlando Pride will be back at Exploria Stadium Wednesday, April 19th to face the North Carolina Courage.
Pride or Die!
