Gotham FC and the Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 draw Saturday night, capping off both sides’ Challenge Cup campaigns.
As the bottom two squads in the East Division, Gotham and Orlando were out of semifinal contention ahead of their final group stage matchup.
Though the game didn’t have any tournament implications, both clubs played with intensity, eager to put together comprehensive performances ahead of the regular season.
The Pride started on the front foot, jumping to an early 1-0 lead in the 10th minute after Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir nodded an Orlando corner kick past Ashlyn Harris.
Rising 🆙 on the corner for the early lead! @orlpride | #PrideOfOrlando pic.twitter.com/CYFhJFBF48— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 23, 2022
Rising 🆙 on the corner for the early lead! @orlpride | #PrideOfOrlando pic.twitter.com/CYFhJFBF48
Gotham FC equalized just before the half, with Kristie Mewis converting a penalty kick from the spot to knot the game at 1-1.
.@KristieMewie from the spot! 🎯We're level at RBA.@GothamFC | #yerrrr pic.twitter.com/3uvMRVcFP2— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 23, 2022
.@KristieMewie from the spot! 🎯We're level at RBA.@GothamFC | #yerrrr pic.twitter.com/3uvMRVcFP2
After the break, Gotham FC dominated the game’s final 45 minutes. But while they created a series of chances, they were unable to convert.
The 1-1 draw keeps Gotham FC in third place in the East Division and Orlando in fourth, with the Pride yet to win a single game in 2022.
The two clubs will face off again on May 1 in the teams’ regular-season opener.