Bay FC entered the NWSL with one mission: to leave their mark. Indeed, leave their mark they did, as Bay FC sealed not only a playoff spot but became the second expansion team in doing so in year one with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium. What a win it was, complete with a sterling performance from Racheal Kundananji, who scored twice, thereby engraving her name in the annals of the club. Now, let's break down the elements that made this season so memorable.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
Kundananji Shines as Bay FC Shows Its Strength
Bay FC opened the scoring in the 10th minute with an own goal from Paige Nielsen after a free kick from Dorian Bailey that caused goalmouth mayhem. But Houston Dash equalized promptly in the 15th minute when Barbara Olivieri, set up by Sarah Puntigam, slotted one in. Yet Bay FC wasn't about to let history slip through its fingers. The spotlight afterward turned to Kundananji, who thanks to her skill and precision was able to score two important goals, securing the victory and her place as one of the cornerstones of this team.
It was Kundananji who doubled, underlining the fact that Bay FC was more than just a new kid on the block but indeed a force to reckon with. Her performance captured the essence of the Bay FC spirit: bold and confident in attack. "Our goal was clear from the start," said a member of the coaching staff, celebrating Bay FC's impressive 31 goals in their inaugural season-second-most amongst expansion clubs.
History-Making Team Hits the Road
With this result, Bay FC posted their sixth away win, a record for an expansion team in their first season, beating several of the league's more established clubs. Since early June, Bay FC has accumulated 16 points on the road-good for second in the league to Orlando Pride, the league's best away team. This was not a 'regular' season; Bay FC showed growth throughout, where every away game was a test of whether they truly belonged.
Consider that this team has managed a balance between experience in its players and, at the same time, has the energy and drive of a team that wants to prove itself at every game. That road consistency is something important with the playoffs coming up, where that "bring it on, no matter the stadium" mentality sometimes makes all the difference.
Looking Ahead at the Playoffs
With their position in the playoffs secured, Bay FC only waits for the result of the Chicago Red Stars vs. Kansas Current match for its final position in the standings. A Chicago draw or loss would lock Bay FC in as the seventh seed, on to meet Washington Spirit in a quarterfinal on Nov. 10. If Chicago wins, Bay FC slips to the eighth seed and meets Orlando Pride on the road on Nov. 8. Either way, Bay FC enters the postseason with much to prove, but also the confidence of a team that's already made history.
This makes the next round all the more a matter of curiosity for Bay FC. After all, playing against either Washington Spirit or Orlando Pride pits one against two powerhouses of the season. And who can doubt that Bay FC is ready for the challenge?
Bay FC: Breaking Records and Making a Statement
Historically, Bay FC's first season has been quite instructive on many grounds. The team's 11 wins broke the record in the NWSL for expansion clubs and far outdid expectations. The number of wins equaled the record established by FC Kansas City and Portland Thorns during the league's first year in 2013. That alone places Bay FC's first-year journey among the best in league history.
Bay FC has shown great ability in sharing that burden across the squad, as it has become one of the only five teams in the NWSL with seven or more players contributing multiple assists, showing a solid and well-rounded squad. This offensive diversity signals that Bay FC is an unpredictable team, one that can have many players make the difference-a thing any opponent should be scared of in the playoffs.