HARRISON, N.J. – The Orlando Pride continued their blistering start to the 2025 NWSL season, securing a decisive 2-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday night. With this win, the Pride now boast a perfect 2-0-0 record, accumulating six points and establishing themselves as early contenders.
The night’s scoring began with an early stroke of luck for the Pride. In the 2nd minute, a free kick from outside the box saw Marta deliver a dangerous cross. Barbra Banda’s header flicked the ball towards goal, only for Gotham’s Lilly Reale to inadvertently deflect it into her own net, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead.
The Pride doubled their advantage in dramatic fashion during second-half stoppage time. Angelina drew a foul in the box, earning a crucial penalty kick. Captain Marta stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the Gotham goalkeeper the wrong way. This goal, her first of the season and 43rd career goal across all competitions, further cemented her legacy as the Pride’s all-time leading scorer.
Defensively, the Pride were impenetrable. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and her backline earned their second consecutive clean sheet to start the season, a testament to their organization and resilience. Moorhouse’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as her 22nd regular season shutout tied former Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris for 10th most all-time in NWSL history. Additionally, the match saw Zara Chavoshi make her NWSL debut, coming on as a second-half substitute.
“It was a great game,” said Head Coach Seb Hines. “We started off really well, taking an early lead. I thought we played some really good stuff, not consistently, but I thought there were some really good moments and opportunities to score. Maybe on another day we capitalize on them. Towards the end of the match, it really showed what type of team this is coming to a hostile environment and coming to Gotham’s home who is a very good team that nearly missed out on the playoff Final last year. We showed our character towards the end making sure we keep the clean sheet. It is very easy as the game goes on and they move forward to lose concentration, but I thought we were phenomenal towards at the end to get the shutout. Really pleased with the goals, another clean sheets and we continue on to next week.”
Match Summary:
- 2’ Lilly Reale (Own Goal) – ORL 1, GFC 0
- 45+2’ Marta (Penalty Kick) – ORL 2, GFC 0
With momentum firmly on their side, the Orlando Pride will return home to Inter&Co Stadium to face the San Diego Wave on Saturday, March 29. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN.
