Bay FC battled Louisville FC and temperatures in the mid-90s to earn an important 1-0 victory behind an Asisat Oshoala penalty kick late in the second half. The victory gave Bay their first-ever winning streak and moved them up the standings into the final playoff position.
Here is what we learned from the game:
Under difficult conditions, full team effort leads to win
Coming off their most complete game of the season, Bay FC was determined to leave Louisville with a positive result. However, that meant playing another team battling for playoff positioning on the road, with a late afternoon kickoff and temperatures hovering around 93 degrees.
Under those conditions, Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya had to adjust his team’s strategy to earn the result.
“It was more so understanding when to press because we can’t just go out there and press all over the field,” explained Montoya. “The conditions just didn’t allow us to. And it’s about understanding moments, something that we continue to strive to get better at. And they did an excellent job for the most part in the game.”
Their patience was rewarded in the 76th minute when Oshoala stepped up to the spot after substitute striker Princess earned a penalty and converted for the lead.
Afterward, Bay FC weathered a constant attack from Lousiville, killing off each attempt. Louisville’s best chance occurred in the dying moments of extra time when Louisville’s Carson Pickett was able to get free in the box. Fortunately for Bay FC, she couldn’t bend her ball on target around goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland.
The victory gave Bay FC its first-ever winning streak and moved them into a playoff spot.
“We really told ourselves that this might be the chance to start this streak and I’m really proud of all of us. You can see we all put in the work,” explained Princess after the game.
“So, so happy and proud of this team, because this is what kind of makes a playoff team right you have to find ways to win like this,” Montoya added.
Will Penalty Kick lead to scoring streak for Oshoala?
When Oshoala stepped up to the penalty spot, it seemed only appropriate for the player who scored the team’s first-ever goal to score its first-ever penalty attempt.
Oshoala’s penalty conversion was perfect. It featured a long run-up to the spot and faked out Louisville keeper Katie Lund. Looking like she was going to hit her shot left, at the last moment, she opened up her hips and steered the ball toward the right and into the side netting.
The quality of Oshoala’s play has been apparent since day one, but it’s been a frustrating two months for the Bay FC striker, who last netted a goal in late April. Montoya pointed out that despite not scoring Oshoala has made an impact on the field.
“She’s done a lot for us on the field and other ways. And I told her just continue helping her team, for her to make sure that she’s doing defensive responsibilities, and not to think about scoring goals,” said Montoya. “And that opportunity would come, and then today it came in the form of a PK, and she hit it really well. So sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Princess makes the difference
With a front line of Oshoala, Rachael Kundamaji, and Tess Boade playing so well together, it can be tough for a talented young striker like Princess to be patient and take advantage when the opportunity arises. With Kundamaji unable to play because of yellow card accumulation, Princess was the difference maker for Bay FC on Saturday afternoon.
Princess was subbed into the game in the 65th minute and immediately made an impact with her high pressure. Eight minutes later, while running onto a ball in the box, Louisville defender Jordan Baggett stepped on her foot and fouled her.
“So I had one assignment, and my coach told me to create opportunities. I was like, this is the best opportunity to do it,” Princess explained. “So I stuck my foot in, got the ball, and she stepped on it.”
After a lengthy review by referee Laura Rodriguez, the penalty was awarded, and Oshoala converted it in the 76th minute.
“You could see the ref didn’t want to call it. But I knew it was [a penalty],” she added. “I knew that might be the only chance we would have in the game.”
Another dangerous run by Princess almost put the game to bed. In the 87th minute, Oshoala found herself with the ball out wide and looked alone until Princess made a darting run up the left side, and Oshoala looped a beautiful cross across the pitch to her. Princess deftly controlled the ball and attempted to strike on target quickly but was blocked by a Louisville defender.
Afterward, the confidence Princess has in her ability is clear.
“I know, I can do better than that. It was unfortunate that I made the decision before her movement,” Princess said. “And after the shot, I realized I should have dribbled her to take the shot. But I knew I was better than that.”
It can be difficult to be patient, but Princess noted that she is determined to take advantage of every opportunity to help the team achieve a positive result.
“I’m glad I finally got to play, and it was my chance to show that I can,” Princess explained. “I hope I took the opportunity. And, hopefully, I can get more playing time.”
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Next up for Bay FC is a home game on Saturday, July 6, against the Washington Spirit. It will be their last game before a lengthy break for this summer’s Olympics.
