As the NWSL season starts, it couldn't have been better for the new club Bay FC heading into their first match at home. The buzz around the team has been at an all-time high as the team has been promoting their first appearance at San Jose's PayPal Park across the Bay. And their efforts in creating interest for this game paid off in a historic way.
PayPal Park was sold out for Bay FC's in their inaugural home opener. Lines wrapped around the stadium into the parking lots to get into stadium, and it was impressive to see that tons of fans had Bay FC gear ready to represent the newest team to the Bay Area sports scene.
Bay FC has started off their inaugural season with 1 win and 1 defeat but have really showcased a powerful squad as it appears that their chemistry has meshed well early. The main players throughout the starting eleven have really showcased some poise and will just continue to build on what has happened early.
It's clear two main factors on the attacking side of the ball have been Scarlett Camberos and
Asisat Oshoala. The two have had some key roles in the matchups played, and they were on display yet again in the matchup against the Houston Dash.
Bay FC continued their impressive start out of the gates, after the pre-game ceremony welcoming the NWSL officially to the Bay Area, with an early goal to kick things off. In every game so far, they have had an early goal to start. The team was able to hold Houston scoreless for the entire first half of the game, but as the common NWSL "After Dark" trend goes things were about to get interesting. Houston was able to score two goals to take the lead, as the time was coming closer to the 90'-minute mark this is where the drama started to pick up a lot. The energy throughout the game was electric, but it hit a peak with the equalizer from Racheal Kundananji. The most expensive female soccer player in the world, currently, proved she was ready for the moment, and scored a goal that will go down as a major moment in Bay FC's early club history. With the extra time continuing to wind down the tension was still there, and the fans began to clock watch waiting for the final whistle. Houston was able to reestablish their lead very late, and it proved to be a game winning goal by Havana Solaun that gave the +3 points to the Houston Dash.
Although the rollercoaster of a match, the players from Bay FC were still able to take in the moment and realize the special occasion that was taking place. This game marked the first match this season with two second half extra time goals. Racheal Kundananji's performance capped a historic appearance by becoming the first player from Zambia to play and score in an NWSL match and her score marked her first for the club in her debut.
