Bay FC will close out its second season on Sunday with a road match at Racing Louisville this Sunday, Nov. 2. Although the club is out of playoff contention, Bay FC can still impact the NWSL playoff picture. That, along with several player milestones to keep an eye on, are featured in this week’s edition of Notes and Numbers.
Head-to-Head
Bay FC is 3-0 all-time vs. Racing Louisville, including a 2-0 win in this season’s home opener back in March. Not only is Bay FC undefeated against Louisville, but Bay has also yet to concede a goal.
A Chance to Play Spoiler
In addition to breaking a 14-match winless streak (5D, 9L), Bay FC has a chance to knock Racing Louisville out of the playoff picture in the regular season finale. Louisville currently is in position to secure the eighth and final playoff berth but can be bumped from that position with a loss or draw with Bay, AND a North Carolina Courage win over Gotham FC on Friday.
Ironwoman Watch
Bay FC defender Caprice Dydasco has played every minute of every match this season. Should she play the full 90 minutes in the season finale at Louisville on Nov. 2, she would become the first player in Bay FC history to achieve Ironwoman status. Other NWSL players on the verge of becoming Ironwomen are Kaleigh Kurtz (North Carolina Courage), Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) and Taylor Malham (Chicago Stars).
While Dydasco is closing in on her first-ever Ironwoman achievement, she is no stranger to logging minutes. In fact, the 10-year veteran moved into the top 10 all-time in minutes played in the NWSL during the Oct. 17 match vs. North Carolina.
Kundananji Nominated for Major Award
Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji has been named a nominee for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Player of the Year. The award honors the top women’s players worldwide who represent African-based national teams. The nomination is Kundananji’s first for the prestigious honor and comes on the heels of a tremendous 2025 for club and country. » Read More
Back On the Board
Penelope Hocking scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season in Bay’s most recent match vs North Carolina on Oct. 17. Alyssa Malonson provided the assist on the set piece with a cross, and Hocking headed it in from inside the six-yard box in the final moments before time expired on the first half. The goal marked Hocking’s first since returning to play following a stress injury to her left foot that kept her out of action for over a month. Friday’s match was also Hocking’s first starting assignment since returning from injury, as she entered as a second-half substitute in the prior three matches.
Among NWSL Leaders
Defender Alyssa Malonson’s assist on Hocking’s goal vs. North Carolina was her fifth helper of the season. Malonson is tied for third in assists heading into the season finale, just one behind league-leaders Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City) and Delphine Cascarino (San Diego).
Silky Smooth
Jordan Silkowitz’s save on North Carolina’s Manaka Matsukubo’s penalty kick attempt was a nominee for the NWSL Save of the Week. That marked her 13th nomination for the weekly honor, which is tops in the NWSL this season, and she’s won the award three times.
Racing Louisville Scouting Report
Louisville has won nine games and earned 34 points in the standings — both club records. One of five NWSL players with double-digit goal totals this season, Emma Sears has set the single-season club scoring record with 10 goals. In addition, Janine Sonis has a club single-season record of five assists.
This season is Louisville’s fifth season in the NWSL, and they’ve finished in ninth place in each of the first four. The club enters the 2025 regular season finale in eighth place and on the verge of securing their first playoff berth in franchise history.
