Wednesday saw five overlapping NWSL Challenge Cup matches.
Orlando Pride 0, NJ/NY Gotham FC 1
The Skinny: Despite a strong home showing, the Pride were beaten at the end by Midge Purce’s late goal.
One Key Moment: This brilliantly worked game winner, from the throw in, gave Gotham their first win of the 2022 Challenge Cup.
Inside the Game: Wednesday’s match in Orlando was a close one until the final moments. Both sides created numerous chances but the breakthrough wouldn’t come until almost the end of regulation time. The Orlando Pride had a strong showing, controlling a majority of the possession, creating more chances and winning twice as many duels as their opponents. Sydney Leroux in particular caused problems for the Gotham backline, as they had to drop back to account for her speed, which left space between the lines for the Pride midfielders to drive into. But in the final third, creativity and problem solving were missing on the day. Orlando’s lack of clinical finishing was apparent, as just two of their 23 total shots landed on target.
Gotham had similar issues in the final third, with their best chances coming on the counterattack. But through some intelligent play from Gotham’s forwards, a quickly taken throw-in caught the Orlando defense too high up the pitch, leaving just enough space in behind for Purce to run into and brilliantly finish past an onrushing Anna Moorhouse.
The Goals:
- NJ/NY Gotham FC – Margaret Purce (Ellie Jean), 86’
— Bella Munson
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