Gotham FC Final Home Game v. Orlando Pride Sun. Oct. 20, 2024

This Sunday, October 20, 2024, NJ/NY Gotham FC will play their final home game of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) regular season at Red Bull Arena, kicking off at 5 p.m. against the Orlando Pride. As the last match before the playoffs, this showdown holds critical importance for Gotham FC, who are fighting to secure second place in the standings. The game also marks a significant moment as the club celebrates retiring star Kelley O’Hara, who will be honored in front of the home crowd.

Gotham FC’s Push for Second Place

Gotham FC enters the game with momentum, having recently clinched a home playoff match after a decisive victory over the Chicago Red Stars. They are currently battling for second place in the standings, a position that would provide a crucial advantage heading into the playoffs. While Gotham FC can finish anywhere between second, third, or fourth in the standings, a win in this final regular-season game will be key to their hopes of claiming second place.

However, Gotham’s opponent, Orlando Pride, is no pushover. For the longest time, Orlando seemed unstoppable, with an unbeaten record stretching through the season. The Pride were the only team to hand Gotham FC a loss since the squad returned from the Summer Olympic break. But, as Portland Thorns FC recently proved by defeating the Pride, they are not invincible. Gotham FC will aim to exploit that vulnerability as they seek to close out the season strong and extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games.

Honoring Kelley O’Hara on Fan Appreciation Night

This match will also be a heartfelt farewell to Kelley O’Hara, one of the stars of Gotham FC and a legend of the sport. O’Hara, who suffered a season-ending injury, will still be present at the Red Bull Arena and will be honored both before and after the game. The club has planned special tributes, including O’Hara lighting the torch to symbolize her contributions to the team and the league.

O’Hara’s injury denied her the opportunity to compete in what would have been her final home game, but the night will remain a celebration of her storied career. Fans attending the match will have the chance to leave personal farewell messages on O’Hara’s autograph wall at Fan Fest, as the club honors her legacy on Fan Appreciation Night.

Background on the Clubs

Gotham FC is one of the original NWSL franchises, known for their dynamic play and deep-rooted connection to both New Jersey and New York. The team has cultivated a passionate fan base, drawing support from both sides of the Hudson River. With several high-profile players, including Midge Purce and Kristie Mewis, Gotham FC has consistently competed at the highest level of the league.

Orlando Pride, founded in 2015, has quickly established itself as a force in the NWSL. They play their home games at Inter&Co Stadium, located in Orlando, Florida, which can hold a crowd of 25,500 fans. The Pride’s attacking prowess and disciplined defense make them a formidable opponent for Gotham FC, especially in this critical match.

Standings and Playoff Implications

As of the latest standings, NJ/NY Gotham FC is in a tight race for second place in the NWSL, while Orlando Pride remains in contention but has recently fallen to third place following their loss to Portland. Both teams are playoff-bound, but the final standings will determine home-field advantage and playoff seeding, adding extra pressure to this match.

A Two-Game Soccer Weekend at Red Bull Arena

This game marks the second of a two-game soccer weekend at Red Bull Arena, following the New York Red Bulls match on Saturday. It’s not the first back-to-back weekend of soccer at the arena; last month, on September 21 and 22, Red Bull Arena hosted a similar two-game weekend. There have also been others in this past year and prior years. The Harrison Police Department has issued a Traffic and Parking Bulletin for fans attending this weekend’s events, advising early arrival and alternative transportation to avoid delays.

With the stakes high for both teams, a vibrant celebration planned for Kelley O’Hara, and Gotham FC’s unbeaten streak on the line, Sunday’s match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the NWSL regular season.

Gotham FC Final Home Game v. Orlando Pride Sun. Oct. 20, 2024

This Sunday, October 20, 2024, NJ/NY Gotham FC will play their final home game of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) regular season at Red Bull Arena, kicking off at 5 p.m. against the Orlando Pride. As the last match before the playoffs, this showdown holds critical importance for Gotham FC, who are fighting to secure second place in the standings. The game also marks a significant moment as the club celebrates retiring star Kelley O’Hara, who will be honored in front of the home crowd.

Gotham FC’s Push for Second Place

Gotham FC enters the game with momentum, having recently clinched a home playoff match after a decisive victory over the Chicago Red Stars. They are currently battling for second place in the standings, a position that would provide a crucial advantage heading into the playoffs. While Gotham FC can finish anywhere between second, third, or fourth in the standings, a win in this final regular-season game will be key to their hopes of claiming second place.

However, Gotham’s opponent, Orlando Pride, is no pushover. For the longest time, Orlando seemed unstoppable, with an unbeaten record stretching through the season. The Pride were the only team to hand Gotham FC a loss since the squad returned from the Summer Olympic break. But, as Portland Thorns FC recently proved by defeating the Pride, they are not invincible. Gotham FC will aim to exploit that vulnerability as they seek to close out the season strong and extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games.

Honoring Kelley O’Hara on Fan Appreciation Night

This match will also be a heartfelt farewell to Kelley O’Hara, one of the stars of Gotham FC and a legend of the sport. O’Hara, who suffered a season-ending injury, will still be present at the Red Bull Arena and will be honored both before and after the game. The club has planned special tributes, including O’Hara lighting the torch to symbolize her contributions to the team and the league.

O’Hara’s injury denied her the opportunity to compete in what would have been her final home game, but the night will remain a celebration of her storied career. Fans attending the match will have the chance to leave personal farewell messages on O’Hara’s autograph wall at Fan Fest, as the club honors her legacy on Fan Appreciation Night.

Background on the Clubs

Gotham FC is one of the original NWSL franchises, known for their dynamic play and deep-rooted connection to both New Jersey and New York. The team has cultivated a passionate fan base, drawing support from both sides of the Hudson River. With several high-profile players, including Midge Purce and Kristie Mewis, Gotham FC has consistently competed at the highest level of the league.

Orlando Pride, founded in 2015, has quickly established itself as a force in the NWSL. They play their home games at Inter&Co Stadium, located in Orlando, Florida, which can hold a crowd of 25,500 fans. The Pride’s attacking prowess and disciplined defense make them a formidable opponent for Gotham FC, especially in this critical match.

Standings and Playoff Implications

As of the latest standings, NJ/NY Gotham FC is in a tight race for second place in the NWSL, while Orlando Pride remains in contention but has recently fallen to third place following their loss to Portland. Both teams are playoff-bound, but the final standings will determine home-field advantage and playoff seeding, adding extra pressure to this match.

A Two-Game Soccer Weekend at Red Bull Arena

This game marks the second of a two-game soccer weekend at Red Bull Arena, following the New York Red Bulls match on Saturday. It’s not the first back-to-back weekend of soccer at the arena; last month, on September 21 and 22, Red Bull Arena hosted a similar two-game weekend. There have also been others in this past year and prior years.

The Harrison Police Department has issued a Traffic and Parking Bulletin for fans attending this weekend’s events, advising early arrival and alternative transportation to avoid delays.

With the stakes high for both teams, a vibrant celebration planned for Kelley O’Hara, and Gotham FC’s unbeaten streak on the line, Sunday’s match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the NWSL regular season.