Angel City FC earned a critical three points Friday night with a 2-1 victory over Bay FC in San Jose. Both teams entered the match looking to climb the NWSL standings, but it was Angel City who came out on top thanks to a composed second-half performance and a late defensive stand.
The game opened with early pressure from Bay FC, who capitalized in the 18th minute with a goal from forward Racheal Kundananji. Her low-driven strike past Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson electrified the home crowd and gave Bay FC momentum through much of the first half.
Angel City responded with determination, finding their rhythm before halftime. Midfielder Clarisse Le Bihan equalized in the 39th minute, finishing off a well-worked passing sequence that split the Bay FC defense. The visitors carried that energy into the second half, applying pressure and forcing mistakes in the midfield.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Sydney Leroux broke free on the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross to Katie Johnson, who headed the ball into the net for the game-winner. Bay FC pushed forward in the closing stages, but Angel City’s backline held firm to seal the win.
The result improves Angel City’s playoff hopes and adds pressure to a Bay FC side still searching for consistency in their inaugural season. Both teams will now shift focus to next weekend’s matches as the playoff race heats up.
