Bay FC (4W, 7D, 11L; 19 pts — 13th place) kicks off a two-match stretch in the Pacific Northwest this weekend as the club visits Portland Thorns FC (8W, 7D, 7L; 31 pts — 6th place) Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff from Providence Park is set for 7 p.m. PT.
Bay FC is 2-1 all-time against the Thorns, with successive victories against Portland in Oct. 2024 and June of this season. Coming into the match with the confidence of a 3-1 victory in the Rose City last season, Bay FC is hoping to remain perfect at Providence Park.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bay FC forward Penelope Hocking: Hocking returned from injury vs. Utah Sept. 27, logging 24 minutes off the bench as the club pushed to get on the board in the second half. The appearance was her first since Aug. 10 at Chicago. Prior to her injury, Hocking was one of the league’s most dangerous attackers, scoring five goals in seven regular season matches between May 11 and Aug. 2.
Portland Thorns FC forward Olivia Moultrie: The 20-year-old has been strong in the second half of the season, scoring three times while only missing seven minutes of action. She also leads the league in chances created this season with 45, serving as Portland’s top facilitator in addition to her role as a goal-scoring threat.
WELCOME BACK
Hocking’s return from injury last week marked her return from a stress injury and first appearance since Aug. 10 at Chicago, a stretch of six matches in league play. Ahead of her injury, Hocking was in tremendous form, scoring five goals in seven matches in league play and seven goals in nine matches across all competitions between May 11 and Aug. 2. She recorded a scoring contribution in eight of nine games during that stretch, adding an assist in the club’s last matchup with Portland June 7.
SEPTEMBER’S BEST
Friday, the NWSL announced that Bay FC defender Caprice Dydasco was named to the league’s Best XI of the Month for September, her second selection this season. Dydasco was one of the league’s top performers across four September contests, finishing the month in the top five among defenders in duels won (22), recoveries (22) and clearances (31). Her assist of forward Racheal Kundananji’s goal Sept. 13 at Orlando earned a nomination for Assist of the Week and helped her club secure a point against the defending league champions. One of six ironwomen in the NWSL this season, Dydasco hasn’t missed a minute for Bay FC, starting and playing 90 minutes in all 22 regular season matches.
HERE TO STAY
Bay FC announced Friday morning that midfielder Dorian Bailey has signed a new contract with the club, keeping her in the Bay Area through 2027. Bailey is the seventh member of the Bay FC’s roster this season to sign a new multi-year contract through the 2027 campaign – joining goalkeepers Jordan Silkowitz and Emmie Allen, defenders Joelle Anderson and Maddie Moreau and midfielders Jamie Shepherd and Caroline Conti, who each signed new agreements with Bay FC earlier this season.
OPPONENT REPORT
Portland enters on a tough run of results, going winless in its last three games and claiming just one victory in its last seven games dating to Aug. 16. The club fell to a strong Gotham FC squad last week in a 3-0 result, as a pair of goals by the hosts before the break put the Thorns behind the ball early. The club strengthened its backline in a trade on Tuesday, acquiring defender MA Vignola from Angel City FC in exchange for midfielder Hina Sugita.
Coming into the week, Thorns FC finds itself in the middle of a congested playoff picture on 31 points. Kansas City and Washington have already secured their spots in the postseason, but third place to ninth are separated by just six points in the standings. Portland currently holds sixth, tied with San Diego, but much is set to change in the coming weeks with every team in control of its own destiny.
HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY – BAY v POR
Bay FC bested Portland earlier this year on June 7 at PayPal Park, a 1-0 result. Alyssa Malonson’s first career goal in the 39th minute ended as the decider as the club stood tall on the backline to secure a clean sheet. All time, Bay FC has claimed two victories against the Oregon side, also securing a victory Aug. 30, 2024 at Providence Park with a late game-winner by then new-acquisition Abby Dahlkemper. Portland took three points in the two sides first-ever meeting, a 3-2 result at PayPal Park May 1, 2024.
WHERE TO WATCH
Want to cheer Bay FC on from afar? Full broadcast listings can be viewed below:
- U.S.: ION
- Australia: Stan Sports
- All Other International Territories: Stream on NWSL+
Watching the match locally? Check out our watch parties and viewing locations around the Bay Area.
- Taplands, 1171 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, (family friendly)
- Jack’s, 167 E Taylor St., San Jose (Bridge Brigade hosted; 21+)
- Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, 3210 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez (Bridge Brigade hosted; family friendly)
- Rikki’s Bar, 2223 Market St., San Francisco (Bridge Brigade hosted; family friendly)
- Hysteria Sports Bar at Xingones Cantina, 190 4th St., Oakland (Bridge Brigade hosted; family friendly)
- The Twelfth at Tam Commons Tap Room & Kitchen, 1300 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901 (family friendly)
NEXT HOME MATCH
Bay FC will face the North Carolina Courage on Friday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. PT at PayPal Park. This is the last regular-season home match for Bay FC and one final chance to see some of the league’s finest players compete on our home pitch in 2025.
This match is Fan Appreciation Night, a special celebration dedicated to the loyal supporters who have shown up for every Bay FC match as the 12th player! Expect prizes, discounts and giveaways. Plus, the first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a Bay FC pom-pom beanie. Buy tickets.
JERSEYS
Bay FC will sport the white Away Jersey against Orlando Pride. Click here to shop our jerseys and match with the team! Plus, take advantage of our Away Match Deal and save 20 percent on accessories.
APP
Never miss a moment of the action! Download the Bay FC app on the App Store or Google Play for live scores, stats, and Bay FC goal push notifications. Enable “Live Activities” for real-time match updates right on your home screen. A live match feed is also available below and on NWSLSoccer.com
LINEUPS
Bay FC at Portland Thorns starting formations will be available before the match.
MATCH TIMELINE
