In just their second game of the season, Gotham was up against their biggest test.

It was an early showing of how the newly rebuilt team measured up against the defending champion Orlando Pride, and what the fans saw for the team’s home opener was rather expected.

On Sunday evening, despite game dominance of 59 percent possession and 15 shots, Gotham fell to Orlando in a 2-0 shutout loss at Sports Illustrated Stadium that was largely from Gotham’s own doing.

However, there were enough positives to show they’re ready to chase their second franchise title after a huge roster overhaul.

“First and foremost, we’re disappointed we did not get the win…” captain and defender Tierna Davidson said. “It’s disappointing not being able to win, not being able to score. But I think there were a lot of great things to take with us.”

The lack of experience together was evident just within the first two minutes of the game.

Following a foul from Gotham’s Jaelin Howell, Marta was awarded a free kick that she footed just outside the box.

Orlando’s Barbra Banda headed the ball toward the goal just before Lilly Reale mistakenly volleyed the ball into her own goal.

The rookie defender immediately grabbed her head in disbelief and disappointment over giving the Pride an early 1-0 lead.

“Obviously, it’s my first start. Just an unreal situation,” Reale said of the own goal. “But, it’s not the first time. Mistakes happen in games, things like that happen. So, I was just trying to use my teammates around me and coaches, who are obviously supporting, uplifting me.”

For the first half, Gotham stayed competitive against the reigning NWSL champions, who opened the season with a stunning 6-0 win over Chicago.

However, they suffered another defensive woe in the 43rd minute when Marta, who drew a foul off her attempted shot on Gotham defender Jess Carter, who was given a yellow card.

Marta netted her penalty kick in the right corner as goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger dove left, making it 2-0 just before the half.

In the second half, Gotham were unable to come up with any goals of their own despite five second-half corner kicks.

Back-to-back corner opportunities in the 73rd minute didn’t lead anywhere.

Additionally, a free kick during the 83rd minute saw Howell’s shot blocked and in the following minute a corner kick saw another header land over the net.

Still, Gotham (0-1-1) strung some strong offensive sequences together and Davidson believes that goals are the next thing to follow.

“I think that’s often the last piece of the puzzle that comes for a team. It’s just that clinical, technical execution in the final third — whether that’s the final pass or the finish. I’m not too worried about it because I think getting there is the hard part.”

Gotham also defended well, allowing just six shot attempts, of which four were on goal.

In the 67th minute, they saved three shot attempts in a row by Orlando.

Berger finished with three saves off six shot attempts (four on goal).

“As much as we did concede two goals — two unfortunate goals — I do think we limited their opportunities defensively…” Davidson said. “I think it’s definitely difficult to limit this kind of offensive team.”

“We played the reigning champions and we were able to control,” head coach Juan Carlos Amorós added. “I think it is every aspect of the game, but this is football, you only get points for scoring the goals.”

A year ago, Gotham fielded what was thought to be a superteam that would lead them to a second straight NWSL title.

However, after a solid season that saw them finish third in league standings (17-5-4) and set a team record for fewest goals conceded (20), they lost in the playoff semifinals to the Washington Spirit on penalties.

The disappointing ending was followed by a mass exodus from the franchise.

Now with new additions and committed veterans, Gotham will be tested in finding that 2023 spark again with a whole new look.