Gary Gibson
Producer
Losing 2-0 to the Orlando Pride isn’t a major setback for Gotham FC, especially considering the Pride's current unbeaten streak. Gotham is still in control of their playoff destiny and remain in the top 4 teams in the league with a 6 point cushion on 5th place.
However, there are three areas where Gotham can improve:
Pressing as a Team: The Pride's goals highlight a need for better communication and coordination among Gotham's press. Allowing Orlando's pivots time on the ball and gaps in coverage allowed the Pride to exploit vulnerable areas. This was evident early as Orlando was able to get Banda in the gaps forcing Davidson and Sonnett to take cards. Gotham needs to work on their pressing structure, ensuring everyone is on the same page and covering their assigned areas effectively.
Offensive Creativity: The team needs to be more creative in their attacking play, varying their approaches and finding ways to break down the Pride's defense.The first half was too predictable and stagnant. Gotham’s subs were excellent in creating an offensive spark. Katie Stengel megging a defender at the touchline. Esther 3 shots on 3 touches inside the opponent’s 18. Jessica Silva was excellent in her debut. Adding flair, creativity, and chance creation that was lacking for Gotham in this match. Could be a very important player down the stretch.
Finishing: The score line does not tell the whole story of this match. Pundits have all declared that Orlando dominated and that they are just too good. What is missing is the 45 minutes that Gotham was in control of this match after a shaky start. Gotham ended the match with more shots 16 to Orlando’s 12. 6 corners to Orlando’s 3. 30 touches inside Orlando’s 18 to 19 for the home team. Gotham had 170 passes in Orlando’s half vs just 96 for Orlando’s in Gotham’s half.
The main stat that separated the two sides was shots on target. Orlando had 8 and Gotham got only 2 of their 16 shots on frame. That is 14 shots. Only 2 of them were blocked. That is 12 shots off target. Most of those were uncontested as well. Moorhouse was beaten on a couple of these shots had they found their mark. Orlando deserves their props for taking care of business. But Gotham did themselves no favors. Maye it is down to confidence. Who knows.
Next up: A trip to Costa Rica to face off against Alajuelense Fútbol Femenino in the Inaugural game of the Concacaf Champions league group stage. Thursday September 5th at 8PM Eastern, streaming on Paramount +.
Then return home to face off against the struggling Houston Dash on Sunday, September 8th at 1PM. Streaming on ESPN +.
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