Gotham FC defeat Orlando Pride with flurry of first-half goals

Gotham FC put on a show Sunday night, scoring three goals in 12 minutes for a dominant win over the Orlando Pride.

The 3-0 season-opening victory is a promising sign for Gotham FC, who hadn’t scored more than one goal in 10 matches.

McCall Zerboni opened up Gotham FC’s regular-season account in the 29th minute, nodding in a corner from Kristie Mewis for the 1-0 lead.

O captain! My captain! 1-0, visitors! @GothamFC | #YERRRR pic.twitter.com/bj6pA5tInH

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 1, 2022

One minute later, Gotham FC doubled its lead. Margaret Purce tracked down a ball over the top before beating the goalkeeper one-on-one to put the game at 2-0.

Just a (s)Midge quicker to the ball 😎@GothamFC | #YERRRR pic.twitter.com/wmGb3Kb7xj

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 1, 2022

Mewis added her name to the scoresheet in the 41st minute, trapping a lofted cross in the box before rifling in a composed finish for the 3-0 lead.

Have yourself a DAY, @GothamFC 👀#ORLvNJNY | #YERRRR pic.twitter.com/Mn9ZkNwbtw

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 1, 2022

Gotham FC’s backline preserved the scoreline throughout the second half, with Ali Krieger registering 12 clearances to clinch the shutout.

The NJ/NY club will next travel west to take on the San Diego Wave on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.