SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2026) – Bay FC announced today that the club has activated defender Emily Menges from maternity leave. The 12-year NWSL veteran will return to the club’s roster and be available for selection this Sunday as the club visits the Washington Spirit Aug. 30.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming Emily back on to the active roster,” said Head Coach Emma Coates. “Emily is an intelligent player and diligent professional. Her return to the roster reflects her hard work, commitment, and determination. I’m excited to see her contribute to the team as her focus can shift from her return to play into performance.”
Menges was placed on maternity leave in August 2025 and welcomed her first child this past February. Since joining Bay FC from Portland Thorns FC ahead of the club’s inaugural season, she has appeared in 31 regular season matches for the club, last appearing in May 2025 as the club secured a point in a 2-2 draw at Houston. She played in all 26 games her first year with Bay FC, recording two assists across over 2,200 minutes and captaining the squad throughout its late season push to a playoff berth. One of the league’s most reliable and longest-tenured players, Menges’ 191 regular season appearances ranks 16th in league history, while her 16,394 minutes ranks 10th all-time.
The two-time NWSL Champion, two-time NWSL Shield winner and 2016 NWSL Best XI selection joins an impressive roster of mothers to return to action this season. Seven other players, including her Bay FC teammate Abby Dahlkemper, have celebrated returns from maternity leave throughout this season and helped their clubs earn results on the pitch.
Bay FC sets back out on the road this week, visiting the Washington Spirit for another Sunday matinee Aug. 30. Kickoff from Audi Field is set for 9:30 a.m. PT, and the match will broadcast live for a national audience on ESPN2.
