Orlando Pride stays undefeated with 2-0 win

Marta scored a penalty as the Orlando Pride beat NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday. This victory kept the Pride undefeated. The game started badly for Gotham. Rookie Lilly Reale scored an own goal just 70 seconds into the match, giving Orlando an early lead. Marta added a second goal just before halftime, also from a penalty kick. The penalty was given after Gotham defender Jess Carter fouled Orlando's Angelina in the box. Despite the early setback, Gotham had more possession during the game, with 59% compared to Orlando. They also had more shots, totaling 14 to Orlando’s 6. However, the Pride’s defense remained strong, and they have not allowed any goals this season. The win puts the Pride at the top of the NWSL standings with six points from two games. It was the first loss for Gotham this season. In another match, the Houston Dash came from behind to defeat the Chicago Stars FC 2-1. Jameese Joseph scored first for the Stars. However, Paige Nielsen quickly equalized for Houston. Maggie Graham scored the winning goal for the Dash just after coming off the bench. She scored with her first touch in the 64th minute. This made her the first player in NWSL history to score in her first two career matches as a substitute. The victory was also the first for Dash head coach Fabrice Gautraut.