Bay FC forward Penelope Hocking firmly established herself as a leader in the attack prior to a recent spell on the sideline due to injury. The forward was in the midst of a scoring streak and consistently generated scoring chances against the opposing line.
Before Hocking’s stress injury in her left foot, she led Bay FC with five goals scored in the 2025 regular-season. Her impressive run saw her tally a goal against Kansas City Current, Angel City FC, Gotham FC and Houston Dash, once at Shell Energy Stadium in Texas and again at PayPal Park.
Earlier in the season, Hocking’s pre-injury form was on full display in Bay FC’s match against in-state rival Angel City FC May 18. In the 23rd minute, Hocking opened the scoring after she received a sharp pass from Caprice Dydasco across the box. Hocking made a perfect first touch and sent the ball across the goal line. It went past Angel City’s goalkeeper, Angelina Anderson, and into the right side of the net.
Hocking suffered a stress injury to her left foot, which interrupted her momentum and sidelined her from Aug. 16 to Sept. 27. This month-long break included sitting on the sideline during Bay FC’s biggest match of the season at Oracle Park against the Washington Spirit. Bay FC keenly felt her absence as they worked to maintain offensive pressure without their leading scorer.
Hocking returned to the field in Bay FC’s home match against Utah Royals FC in San Jose. She played for 24 minutes after coming on in the 66th minute. Though a limited run, her impact on the field was immediate.
Hocking directly participated in several key offensive and defensive actions during match minutes. In the 87th minute, Hocking unleashed a shot from outside the box that tested Utah Royals goalkeeper Mia Justus. Just three minutes later, Hocking set up a scoring chance by delivering a header pass to Rachel Kundananji who took the shot at goal. Hocking also drew a free kick in Bay FC’s defensive half during added time, relieving pressure on the back line.
Penelope Hocking’s return and immediate technical contributions inject renewed promise into Bay FC’s offense. As the team looks to break out of its 13-match winless streak, they’ll look to Hocking to re-establish her form in the final month of the season and net more game winning goals.
