In a riveting Friday night matchup on May 17, Bay FC clinched a narrow 2-1 win over Angel City FC in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) action. The victory came in front of a packed crowd at PayPal Park, where Bay FC delivered a spirited performance to edge their California rivals in a tightly contested encounter.
Bay FC struck first with a clinical finish in the 26th minute from midfielder Deyna Castellanos, who capitalized on a defensive error. Angel City FC responded just before halftime with a well-timed header by forward Sydney Leroux, leveling the score at 1-1 and setting the stage for a tense second half.
Both teams ramped up the intensity after the break, with midfield battles and defensive blocks dominating the narrative. Angel City’s goalkeeper DiDi Haračić made several key saves to keep her team in the game, while Bay FC’s backline held firm against waves of pressure.
The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time when substitute Tess Boade curled in a stunning strike from outside the box, sending Bay FC fans into a frenzy. The goal sealed a crucial three points for the expansion team as they continue to push for a playoff spot in their inaugural NWSL season.
With the win, Bay FC improves their record and builds momentum, while Angel City is left regrouping after another close defeat. Both sides now turn their focus to upcoming midseason fixtures that could prove decisive in the tightly packed league standings.
