Published on May 19, 2026 under National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Bay FC News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Bay FC heads to the Pacific Northwest this week, visiting Portland Thorns FC for a midweek clash at Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT, and the contest will broadcast live on Victory+, Bay FC’s official streaming partner. It’s the second of three matches in eight days for Bay FC, who enter the contest on a three-match unbeaten streak after Friday’s draw vs. Boston.
Bay FC will look for a fourth straight unbeaten result as Portland eyes a return to the win column after earning just one point from its last two matches. Bay FC again showed well last week, threatening consistently on the offensive end in its 1-1 draw with league newcomer Boston Legacy FC. It’ll be a full squad effort in the Rose City as the club manages a congested schedule, with a Sunday match also on the docket over the weekend.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bay FC forward Cristiana Girelli: Girelli returned after missing two matches due to injury and helped Bay FC put their foes on their heels throughout the second half of Friday’s contest. She’s started her Bay FC career strong with two assists, with excellent hold-up play helping her new club build up the pitch and generate scoring chances. Her veteran leadership stands to benefit the club as it tackles the challenge of schedule congestion for the first time this season.
Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Wilson: Wilson has returned from maternity leave in impressive fashion for her club, leading Portland in total shots and scoring thrice since her first game back. She’s scored three all-time goals vs. Bay FC, and her pairing with Olivia Moultrie in the Thorns attack has proven to be one of the league’s top attacking tandems this season.
WEDNESDAY, WHAT’S THIS?
Bay FC’s match in Portland marks the first mid-week match played by the club in the regular season since May 2024, a contest won by the Oregonian side. It’s the first of the club’s three Wednesday matches this season as the NWSL schedule adjusts to accommodate the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the FIFA Women’s International Match Calendar. Bay FC last visited Portland October 4, 2025, a tough 2-1 defeat that came after Taylor Huff opened the scoring in the 36th minute.
CLEAN SHEET STREAK // CHANCES APLENTY
Bay FC’s shutout streak ended Friday at 294 minutes, the club’s longest stretch in club history without conceding a goal. Dating to deep in first half stoppage time April…