After an international break, Bay FC was eager to return to PayPal Park to put on a show for their home crowd. After selling out their first ever home game, the Bay Area was ready to come out and support the team yet again as they continue their inaugural season in the NWSL.
You couldn't have asked for a better day as the sun crept over the top of the stadium, and this set the perfect condition for a game at the stadium. There was a buzz in the air, and you could feel the excitement as it came closer to kickoff as the anticipation was gaining for an exciting match.
Bay FC went with a familiar line-up, but were missing Scarlett Camberos who picked up a minor injury on international duty with the Mexican National team. Camberos was at the stadium, and even warming up on her own before the game, but was ultimately rested marking her first time off the starting sheet this season for Bay FC. The Seattle Reign prepared to emerge from their brief hiatus, anticipation mixed with determination hung in the air. The locker room buzzed with a palpable sense of urgency after a disappointing stretch, having suffered consecutive losses before the break. As the teams made their way to the pitch, over 16,000 fans made their voices heard as they welcomed Bay FC back home. The stage was set for another thrilling matchup of NWSL soccer, and what was to come on the pitch.
As the whistle blew for the start of the game, you could feel the importance of the game, and the fans were ready for what was about to be a thriller of a game. Bay FC came out of the gates with intensity, and seemed to try to take command of the game early. They started off their previous games with a goal early, and they intended to do the same from the pressure they put on Seattle's defensive backs. Seattle did respond to the pressure, and equally put the ball in spots to create chances, and one opened up for them when they forced an own goal to give them the early lead that went into the halftime break.
As the teams came back from the halftime break, Bay FC continued their pressure, and answered back with their own goal from Kayla Sharples in the 48' minute to make it level at one. The intensity of the game only took a turn moving past the 50' minute mark as the chances kept coming. Bay FC were able to score as the ball moved into the perfect position for Alex Lorea, who kicked the ball from outside the box and rocketed it into the upper corner to give Bay FC a 2-1 advantage over Seattle.
Things didn't stop after the second goal, as Bay FC continued to put their foot on the gas as the ladies continued to get the ball in the right areas. The Seattle defense turned things up as they continued to deny chances on the back end of the game, and they eventually found their spot on the offensive side of the ball. Bethany Balcer found the ball provided by a tip from Ji So-Yun and put it passed the goalkeeper for the equalizer. Things didn't remain level for long as Bay FC pushed the ball back down the field minutes after for their own chance, and they forced their own, own goal as Savy King and Joelle Anderson combined to force a deflection that put the ball in the back of the net for another Bay FC goal. Bay FC, even with the 3-2 lead, continued to go all out as they had three main chances to add to their lead, but those goal chances were disallowed. Both teams continued to go all out in this game, until the final whistle which secured the victory for Bay FC, and for them to get their first win at home. The team came together at the end of the game united, and they look to move into their next just as motivated as they were playing in this game against Seattle.
The environment at PayPal was electrifying for the matchup, and the home crowd gave it all the ambience you can imagine for an important game. From the pregame sounds from DJ Bitesize, to the chants from the Bay Brigade this is a must see event in the Bay Area. The team has been playing very well since the beginning of their season, and the team plays like they have been together for many years already. We are seeing what is the start of something very special in the Bay Area, and the Bay Area can be proud of what these ladies bring to the pitch and the community. Bay FC are set to hit the road and travel to Kansas City to take on the Kansas City Current who currently haven't lost a game and are the top team in the NWSL.
More Images of Bay FC hosting Seattle Reign from April 14th, 2024:
