Challenge Cup run closes in tie
The Orlando Pride’s run in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup drew to a close after visiting NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday at Red Bull Arena.
Gunny Jonsdottir opened the scoring for the Pride after heading home a corner kick by Angharad James in the 10th minute to give Orlando an early 1-0 lead.
Orlando dominated possession for most of the second half through connecting passes in the final third or winning second balls.
But Gotham still searched for an equalizer and one almost came in the 32nd minute when a bad clearance found Ifeoma Onumonu and went wide of the goal in the 32nd minute.
NJ/NY finally found the opportunity to tie the game moments before halftime when Toni Pressley fouled Onumonu inside the box, paving the way for Kristie Mewis to convert the spot-kick past Kaylie Collins.
In the 64th minute, Kerry Abello almost scored the go-ahead goal after receiving a ball from Mikayla Cluff before the attempt was saved by keeper Ashlyn Harris.
In the following play in the 65th minute, Onumonu had a one-on-one opportunity to score for Gotham but the chance was stopped by Collins.
Paige Monahan almost scored for Gotham in the 79th minute when her shot from distance hit off the crossbar. Moments later a strike from Mewis was stopped by Collins to keep the game tied.
The Pride entered the game without a slew of players because of injury or suspension. Caitlin Cosme, Marta (season-ending injury), Erin McLeod (right knee), Sydney Leroux (left Achilles), Parker Roberts (right ankle), Carrie Lawrence (suspended), Erika Tymrak (right thigh) and Meggie Dougherty Howard (right hip) all were out for the game.
Rookie Abello and goalkeeper Collins made their first professional starts for the Pride.
Viviana Villacorta, who was removed from the team’s season injury list, was named to the Pride’s bench ahead of the Gotham game.