In the second match of the season, Gotham was facing the biggest test.
It was expected to be a way to see how the newly rebuilt team was measured against defending champion Orlando Pride. Orlando Pride seems to be getting even better this year.
However, the Sports Illustrated Stadium home opener ended with a 2-0 defeat, primarily from Gotham's own work, proving that he has early work with newly acquired players.
And that was clear within the first two minutes of the game.
Following a foul on Gotham's Jaelin Howell, Marta was awarded a free kick that stepped in just outside the box.
Orlando's Barbra Vanda advanced the ball towards the goal just before Lily Rail accidentally redirected the ball to his net.
The Gotham defender grabbed the head in incredible disappointment immediately after handing the Pride a 1-0 lead.
In the first half, Gotham remained competitive with the incumbent NWSL champions who opened the season with a 6-0 victory over Chicago on March 15th.
Even Gotham's favor changed in the second half as the property still lingered, starting to see offensive sparks from Esther Gonzalez, Gabi Portillo and Howell.
However, they suffered another defensive misery in the 43rd minute.
On a breakaway ball, Banda was handed over to Malta, who pulled a foul from a shot of an attempt at Gotham defender Jess Carter.
Carter was given a yellow card and Malta netted a penalty kick in the right corner as goalkeeper Anne Catlin Berger Dove left and it went 2-0 game just before the half.
In the second half, Gotham took possession and led and defended well as saved Orlando's three shot attempts in the 67th minute.
But despite being on the side of the field, they were unable to come up with their own goals.
Following two consecutive corner opportunities in the 73rd minute, the Gotham header did not lead near the net.
Additionally, a free kick in the 83rd minute blocked Howell's shot, and the next minute corner kick appeared empty-handed, and saw another header landing on the net.
Gotham (0-1-1) finished the game with 15 shots, three of which earned goals, six corner kicks and two yellow cards.
Burger also made three saves from six shot attempts (fourth in goal).
Just a year ago, Gotham fielded what was considered a super team leading to the second straight NWSL title.
However, after a solid season (17-5-4) finishing third in league standings, they lost in the Washington Spirit semi-finals on penalties after setting a team record with the fewest goals recognized (20) and fourth best mark (plus 21) in the goal differential.
The disappointing outcome follows a massive departure from the franchise, losing Delaney Sheehan and defender Sam Hyatt in free agency, and Crystal Dan and Jenna Nyswanger are also on the move, along with forwarding Lynn Biendro and Yazmeen Ryan from trade requests.
Now with the new additions to Portillo, midfielder Sophia Kuk and goalkeeper Ryan Campbell, Gotham will be tested as he once again finds the 2023 sparks with an entirely new look.
