Gotham FC 2-0 Orlando

ORLANDO, FL (April 15, 2023) – Gotham FC secured the club’s second win of the 2023 season with a 2-0 result over the Orlando Pride on Saturday night at Exploria Stadium, and once again, the victory came in dramatic fashion. After a scoreless first half, the decisive goal came 10 minutes into second half stoppage time in the waning moments of the hard-fought match. Both goals came late in the game, setting, and then resetting the National Women’s Soccer League record for the latest goals to ever be scored. 

Gotham FC was awarded a penalty kick following a VAR decision that the Orlando Pride had committed a handball offence in their own penalty area.  Midge Purce stepped up and confidently scored in the top right corner, netting the latest goal ever to be scored in a match in NWSL history. Gotham FC added a second goal seven minutes later, when Lynn Williams overtook that brand-new record by scoring from close range after a pinpoint pass up field from Midge Purce.  

The match started with both teams earning attacking chances and displaying a strong defensive presence, as neither team was able to break through until Gotham FC penalty kick. Gotham FC's goalkeeper, Abby Smith, made several crucial saves to keep the score level, while Orlando's defense stood strong against Gotham FC's attacking line. 

With this win, Gotham FC improves their record to 2-0-1, while Orlando Pride falls to 0-0-3. Gotham FC's head coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised the team's performance, saying, “the team did a masterclass on how to play after going one-nil up in the last few minutes of a game.”

Gotham FC will look to build on this victory when they take on Washington Spirit at home for their first UKG Challenge Cup match on April 19th. 

Abby Smith, Kelley O’Hara, Mandy Freeman, Kristen Edmonds, Jenna Nighswonger, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Victoria Pickett, Lynn Williams, Yazmeen Ryan, Ifeoma Onumonu 

Sinead Farrelly (Victoria Pickett - 61’), Midge Purce (Ifeoma Onumonu - 69’), Ellie Jean (Kristen Edmonds - 69’), Taylor Smith (Kelley O’Hara - 84’), McCall Zerboni (Mandy Freeman - 84’) 

NOTES 

Both of tonight's goals from Gotham FC set records in the NWSL. First, Purce’s goal in the 90+10 minute (99:53) set the record for the latest NWSL regular season goal to ever be scored, but it was later broken by Williams in the 90+17 minute (106:45) of the match.  

Williams also holds the record for latest goal in an NWSL playoff game after she scored in the 124th minute for Western New York Flash against Washington Spirit in the 2016 final match.  

“I think that shows the drive of this team,” said Williams. “Even Midge (Purce) getting the latest goal shows that we’re not going to just go for a tie; we’re not going to give up on it if we’re down; we’re just going to continue to play. I think then going again is just like a dagger.” 

Purce goal also marked the latest game-winning goal in NWSL regular season history at 99:53. 

William’s goal tonight marks her 59th goal of her NWSL career. That tally ties her with Christine Sinclair for second-most goals in NWSL history.

Gotham FC have scored from their last six penalties awarded in the National Womens Soccer League, last failing to score on April 20, 2019, against the Houston Dash.  

Gotham FC took the field at Exploria Stadium, and Midge Purce was given the captain's armband after coming in at the 69th minute. Purce provided leadership and direction to her teammates through the end of the match. Her tenacious play and vocal presence on the field were instrumental in Gotham FC's victory  

“It's always an honor wearing [the armband], especially with this group... I really respect this team, so it's an honor, always,” said Purce.

Gotham FC returns to Red Bull Arena for two games next week – a UKG Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19 against the Washington Spirit, and regular season match on Saturday, April 22 against the NC Courage. Both matches are at 7:30 p.m.