Bay FC 0 – 1 Orlando Pride
Eryn and I went to the Bay FC v. Orlando Pride match . I’ve been a fan of the Pride since I started following the NWSL and this was my first time getting to see them in person. They did not dissapoint. That was one hell of a game:
Forward Barbra Banda scored the game winning goal for the Pride with a late second-half header. The goal counted as her 13th of the season, which ties the [Pride’s] record for the most goals scored in a single season alongside Marta, who did it in 2017. Banda’s game winner was also her sixth of the season, which ties an NWSL record for most game winning goals in a single campaign.
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made six saves on her way to earning her 12th clean sheet of the season, breaking an NWSL single-season record. The Pride have now shutout their opponents in five straight matches and have only conceded one goal in their last nine regular season matches.
I’m so glad I got to see Banda and Moorhouse each have a great night, and it was super special to finally get to see Marta, a Rainha do Futebol, play football in person.
We took one of Caltrain’s new electric trains down to the South Bay. It’s pretty much the best way to get to PayPal Park from the city. It’s so nice to not have to drive home afterwards.
This was the third Bay FC match we’ve been to in 2024. Eryn and I went to the home opener against Houston back in March, and Laurel, Andy, Eryn, and I took the kids to a match when the San Diego Wave were in town in May. It’s so great to have a high caliber, professional women’s sports team nearby. And we’re getting another one! The Golden State Valkyries will join the WNBA this coming season. How exciting!