Gotham FC to Face Orlando

HARRISON, N.J. (April 13, 2023) – Following the FIFA International Break, Gotham FC returns to action on the road this week against the Orlando Pride on Saturday, April 15 at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida at 7 p.m. ET. Gotham FC will welcome back stars Lynn Williams, Kristie Mewis, and Kelley O’Hara, who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team for pair of friendlies against club teammate Sinead Farrelly and Ireland.

Gotham FC (1-1-0) approaches the club’s third match of the 2023 season with one more win than the opposing Orlando Pride (0-2-0), who have fallen in both season-starting matchups.

Gotham FC’s current form includes a 2-1 season-opening win over Angel City Football Club (Los Angeles) on March 26 and a 2-0 loss to OL Reign at home on April 1.

In 19 matches between these two clubs in all competitions, Gotham FC currently holds a 7-5-7 record against Orlando Pride, with both teams tied in their tally of wins. Gotham FC is looking to pick up its first win against Orlando since their last meeting on Aug. 20, 2022.

Gotham FC Storylines 

Kristen Edmonds is Home
New Jersey native Kristen Edmonds signed with her hometown team as a free agent in the offseason. As a starter in Gotham FC’s first two games of the 2023 season, Edmonds has featured in all 180 minutes played thus far. This weekend, the defender will face one of her former professional clubs, the Orlando Pride, with whom she earned 70 appearances and scored nine goals from 2016-2020. 

Sinead Farrelly’s Inspirational Comeback
More than six years after her last NWSL match, midfielder Sinead Farrelly entered Gotham FC’s exciting home opener in the 70th minute on April 1, marking her Gotham FC debut and first appearance in the NWSL since Sept. 4, 2015. Farrelly’s return to competition established a new record for the longest stretch between NWSL appearances. In addition, Farrelly started and played 60 minutes for the Irish National Team in a friendly against the U.S. Women’s National Team in Austin on April 8.

From Maternity Leave to On-Pitch Prominence
Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long has made a triumphant return to the field. After announcing her pregnancy with twins in April 2022, she missed almost all of last season. Upon her return to play, Long has started in both games this season, totaling all 180 minutes. She also wore the captain armband in both matches. 

USWNT’s Williams Triumphant Return
Lynn Williams missed all of last season with a severe hamstring injury. She made her USWNT return earlier this year and scored a goal in her first match back in international competition. In similar fashion, in her first NWSL match since injury, it was Williams’ clutch goal that was the game-winner for Gotham FC over Angel City Football Club in Los Angeles on March 26. It was Williams’ first NWSL goal in 15 months, her 16th game-winner in the NWSL, and the 58th goal of her NWSL career – thee most among U.S. players and third overall in league history. 

Gotham FC International Call-Ups
Gotham FC’s Kristie Mewis, Kelley O’Hara, and Lynn Williams were called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team for a pair of friendly matches against Ireland in Austin, Texas on April 8 and St. Louis on April 11. The opposition featured Gotham FC midfielder Sinead Farrelly, who debuted for Gotham FC on April 1 more than six years after her retirement from soccer. She started the April 8 match against the USWNT and totaled 60 minutes of playing time. Bruninha was also called up to represent Brazil against England in the 2023 Women's Finalissima. Additionally, Ifeoma Onumonu was called up to represent Nigeria but, she remained with Gotham FC during this international window. 

Head-to-Head
In 19 matches between the clubs in all competitions, Gotham FC is 7-5-7 against the Orlando Pride. The teams split their two matches during the 2022 season.

Next Up
After the match in Orlando, Gotham FC returns to Red Bull Arena for two games next week – a 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.