Gotham FC are in a funk at the moment as their three consecutive home games could not produce a single goal. The reigning NWSL champions are one of the more potent offenses in the league with players like Esther Gonzalez, Rose Lavelle and Katie Lampson all in the starting line-up. The chances were there in all three games, especially on Sunday night against Orlando Pride but the final touch evaded the group, leaving them with just two points in their first three games at Sports Illustrated Stadiium.
“We need to be better going forward,” said head coach Juan Carlos Amoros after the game. “We’re not scoring enough goals but I think the overall feeling is that it’s something that we can definitely build. We’ve got the talent, the players and for us to find ourselves again having a good performance it was a key.”
The statistics don’t lie. Gotham had over 60 percent possession, more passes and double the corner kick opportunities. Despite those numbers they managed only two shots on target and less overall attempts than the Pride. It is worth noting that this is the third game in eight days for Gotham, who will have to take their talents on the road to KC Current FC next Saturday.
“We’re disappointed that we couldn’t get those three points or a moment of brilliance. I think we had around 150 passes around the final third and we dominated the game but it was hard and we didn’t break down those moments. We definitely have a little but another step forward in this case.”
Gotham FC have already played four games in the 2026 NWSL season, opening string with a win over Boston Legacy. The high of the club’s first appearance at Gillette Stadium was palpable last weekend, especially as the club raised their second championship banner in three years. However, it has yet to translate onto the field as three consecutive scoreless games for the champs, leaves them with more questions than answers.
One positive is that the club is playing strong defensively. Three out of four games have had clean sheets, with only the Denver Summit able to score on Gotham. That kind of stout defensive play can be built on and while the offense may not be firing, the club knows that goals are coming.
“Obviously good to get a shutout but we need to figure out a way to get the ball into the back of the net,” said attacking midfielder Rose Lavelle. “Three straight games without a goal. That’s obviously really disappointing but I’m happy with how we responded given the game versus Denver. I thought we put together a better performance but just that final piece is missing.”
photo from Gotham FC (Megan Santaniello)