Bay FC faced a daunting task after traveling across the county to face off against first-place Orlando Pride. Despite a spirited effort, an early penalty was the difference in a 1-0 loss in Orlando.
“We played an excellent team coming to Orlando and playing in their home stadium,” said Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya after the game. “It’s always very difficult flying across to the East Coast. But I will say that I was very happy with our performance, especially in the second half.”
Like they have all season, Bay FC came out on the attack and had a few early decent chances from forward Rachael Kundamaji in the first twenty minutes.
However, Kundamaji’s Zambian national team teammate, Barba Banda, helped Orlando score first when she was taken down in the penalty box by Deyna Castellanos. The Pride’s Adriana stepped up to the spot and finished her penalty kick past the diving Katelyn Rowland.
Orlando continued to control the best chances of the game and outshot Bay FC 25 to 6, with ten shots on target compared to only two for Bay FC. The visitors were helped by Rowland’s career game, in which she stopped nine shots, her all-time high in saves during her long NWSL career.
When the final whistle blew, it was also the first game of the season in which Bay FC did not score at least one goal. It was also their fifth loss in a row. Bay FC will look to end their losing streak in a home game against the San Diego Wave on Friday, May 17.
