Abby Dahlkemper puts Bay FC on the brink of NWSL history

Bay FC came up against North Carolina Courage at PayPal Park, a match that would define the future of the Bay side in the 2024 NWSL season. In front of a packed crowd of 14,901, the result was a thrilling 1-0 home side win courtesy of an Abby Dahlkemper heroic 83rd-minute goal.

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This win brought Bay FC closer to the playoffs. The team equaled the record for most wins an expansion club has had in its first year of existence, with ten wins. Bay FC also stays above the playoff line-which is eighth place-with 31 points, only having one regular season game in hand.

The Turning Point

It was goalless until less than 10 minutes to the end of the game, with Bay FC finding a way to clear the logjam. A foul by North Carolina Courage near the box set up a set-piece opportunity as Racheal Kundananji served it with a free kick into the box. With pure precision, Abby Dahlkemper volleyed home the winner. That was the first goal for the defender since late August when she joined Bay FC in a match against Portland Thorns.

Good Defense and Lost Opportunities

Bay FC's win wasn't only about the decisive goal from Dahlkemper but based on a pretty strong defensive performance and consistent goalkeeping from Katelyn Rowland. For most of the first half, North Carolina Courage dominated possession with 55% and did try to impose its game onto the hosts, finishing nearly 85% of its passes. However, Bay FC made their few chances count and created danger at crucial instances.

In the early minutes, Riley Jackson nearly opened the scoring for Courage, but her shot was tipped over the crossbar. Not long after, Kaleigh Kurtz had a great header chance that only managed to strike the crossbar and bounce out. It was a tough start that could've rattled Bay FC, but they stayed focused.

Bay FC responded with a push that forced Courage's goalkeeper Casey Murphy into critical saves. Just before halftime, one of the best chances saw Murphy need to fully stretch and keep out a shot that looked destined for the back of the net. For all the pressure, though, the game remained scoreless at the break.

Strategy and Tactics: The Road to Victory

The second half was filled with both teams fighting with very few clear-cut opportunities until the 70th minute, where Courage worked their way into a play that opened up a close shot from Denise O'Sullivan, missing target by a hair. Bay FC didn't back down and continued to build chances.

Finally, following a tough foul just outside the penalty area, Racheal Kundananji had the chance to turn it around. The perfectly placed free kick finds Dahlkemper open, who heads in the only goal of the match. From there, Bay FC locked in on D and managed the game until the final whistle.

Bay FC almost doubled the score in stoppage time with great interplay between Feli Rauch and Narumi. Again, Rowland saved the best for last, keeping the score at 1-0 to secure the three points for the home team.