Gotham FC’s NWSL Shield-clinching hopes were boosted on Sunday as the Bats rolled to a 2-1 road victory over the Orlando Pride.
If other results go their way elsewhere, Gotham could be crowned NWSL Shield winners later on Sunday. A San Diego Wave FC loss combined with a Washington Spirit loss or draw would clinch the Shield for Gotham FC.
Though Gotham were without six players, including star duo Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw, the Bats prevailed at Inter.co Stadium.
Midge Purce and Tierna Davidson found the net in Sunday’s victory. Purce got Gotham out to a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute, connecting on a header from Guro Reiten’s cross.
Davidson doubled Gotham’s lead in the 62nd minute from a rebound following a corner kick. Solai Washington put Orlando within a goal in the 65th minute, though Gotham would see out the final 25 minutes plus four minutes of added time.
“Sometimes you’ve got to grind it out and fight, and the team showed real character today, so we’re really proud of them,” Gotham FC lead assistant coach Shaun Harris said following Sunday’s win.
Tess Boade Impresses in First Gotham FC Start
Midfielder Tess Boade impressed in her first start for Gotham since her August 20 signing.
“I had the pleasure of playing with Tess years ago, and even then I was like, this is a really special talent,” Purce said. “I continue to believe that she’s one of the most underrated players in the league and to see her now have that platform of a team that’s going into playoffs, that’s Shield contenders, to be able to show off how excellent she is and can be, I’m so excited. I think this is just the beginning.”
Harris filled in for Juan Carlos Amorós during the postmatch press conference, as Gotham’s head coach was dealing with a stomach bug.
‘She Always Gives That 100 Percent’ — Harris Praises Boade
Harris mentioned that Boade missed a wedding to take part in Sunday’s contest at Inter.co Stadium.
“Tess is, again, just a testament to the character and attitude of the team that she’s been fully committed,” Harris explained. “Obviously, hasn’t played a lot of minutes, but she’s there every single training session, always gives that 100 percent, always gives 100 percent for her teammates.
“She even had to miss a wedding day today to be here. Full credit to Tess and her professionalism and just how she approaches every single day and giving that 100 percent. We’re really happy for her to be able to get out there and help us get the win.”
Purce, Kerr and Davidson Reach Club Milestones
Veteran striker Sam Kerr made her 50th regular-season start for the Gotham-Sky Blue FC organization.
Purce joined Mandy Freeman as the only two players to make 125 appearances across all NWSL competitions for the club. Davidson logged her 50th NWSL regular season appearance for Gotham, becoming the 30th player in team history to reach the milestone.
Gotham FC will close out the 2026 NWSL regular season at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, November 1. The Decision Day match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
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