NJ/NY Gotham FC defeat Orlando Pride 3-1

NJ/NY Gotham FC, buoyed by the efforts of defender Sam Hiatt and midfielder Rose Lavelle, beat the Orlando Pride 3-1 at Red Bull Arena on Sunday. Hiatt opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a left-footed shot from close range following a corner, and Lavelle added another goal just before halftime, giving Gotham FC (16-5-4) a crucial lead.

Midfielder Ella Stevens sealed the victory for Gotham FC with a right-footed shot in the 49th minute, assisted by right back Bruninha after another corner. Ann-Katrin Berger made one save to help maintain their advantage throughout the match.

Forward Adriana was responsible for Orlando Pride's lone goal, converting a penalty in the 31st minute to temporarily level the score. Despite several attempts from forwards Marta and Ally Watt, the Pride (17-6-2) couldn't find another breakthrough.

The game saw multiple substitutions and yellow cards as both teams fought hard. Left back Jenna Nighswonger and defender Nealy Martin received yellow cards for Gotham FC, while midfielder Evelina Duljan replaced Marta in the 75th minute.

With this win, Gotham FC now have 53 points in their season tally while the Pride remain ahead with 57 points.

Up next: NJ/NY Gotham FC face the Kansas City Current on Oct. 25, and the Orlando Pride play Seattle Reign FC on Nov. 2.

ESPN Generative AI Services creates recaps from event data and/or transcripts that are reviewed by human editors before posting; email support@espncustomercare.com for corrections.