Published on March 27, 2026 under National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Bay FC News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Following consecutive home matches to open the 2026 campaign, Bay FC visits the North Carolina Courage in Week Three for its first road match of the season. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT, and the match will broadcast locally on Victory+ with Michael Wottrang and Brooke Kirchhofer behind the mic on the club’s official streaming platform, and nationally on NWSL+ with Jenn Hildreth and Ricky Lopez-Espin on the call.
Bay FC looks for a bounce back result after a defeat to in-state rival Angel City FC on home turf in Week Two. Its two-match home stretch to open the season came with a bevy of positives, as the club claimed a victory to open the season behind a goal and assist from forward Alex Pfeiffer, and saw Italian loanee Cristiana Girelli get on the scoresheet with an assist in the second half of her club and league debut this weekend.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bay FC Forward Cristiana Girelli: Girelli found her way onto the scoresheet in her club debut in Week 2, assisting the Bay FC’s lone goal on an excellent combination with midfielder Taylor Huff. The Italian striker will only get more dangerous up top as she continues to settle in at her new club.
North Carolina Courage Forward Ashley Sanchez: Sanchez owns a share of the Golden Boot after two weeks of play, bagging a brace in Week 1 to claim Player of the Week honors. She has been one of the most dangerous attackers in the league to start the season, ranking third in shots on target.
SUCCESS IN ROAD OPENER
Bay FC has historical success in its first road match of the season, unbeaten in its first two road openers. In 2024, the club claimed all three points vs. Angel City FC in its debut match. Last season, the club started the campaign with a 1-1 draw at the Utah Royals, coming back to claim a point with a gritty performance in tough conditions.
TAKING ON A FORMER CLUB
Three members of Bay FC will take on a former club this weekend. Defenders Brooklyn Courtnall and Sydney Collins were each members of the Courage as recently as last season, with both players joining Bay FC late in the year. Midfielder Tess Boade joined Bay FC from North Carolina via the expansion draft ahead of the 2024 season.
LOCKED IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Bay FC announced Thursday that the club has signed midfielder Claire Hutton to a new five-year contract through the 2030 season. The Bethlehem, N.Y. native has played every minute…