Bay FC Hosts Kansas City Current in Crucial NWSL Match

Bay FC is set to host the Kansas City Current in a highly anticipated match on Saturday, October 12, 2024. This encounter marks the first-ever visit of the Kansas City Current to Bay FC's home ground, PayPal Park, and comes with significant stakes for both teams in their quest for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) playoffs.

The Kansas City Current, currently sitting in fourth place with a record of 13-3-7 and 46 points, are looking to clinch a top-four spot in the NWSL standings. A win against Bay FC would not only secure their first-ever home playoff game but also mark the first-ever regular season postseason match at CPKC Stadium, their home ground. This achievement would be a historic milestone for the team and its fans.

Bay FC, ranked eighth with a record of 9-13-1 and 28 points, is also battling for a playoff spot. They are level on points with the seventh-place Portland Thorns but trail on goal difference. A win against the Current could help Bay FC solidify their position in the standings and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Match Preview: Kansas City Current vs. Bay FC

The match between Bay FC and the Kansas City Current is set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. PDT at PayPal Park. This event will be celebrated as Latino Heritage Night, featuring various cultural performances, including Spartan Mambo, Cunamacu, and Los Bahianatos in Plaza del Bay FC (FanFest). Fans can also expect to see Gabriela Seplveda singing the national anthem and Grupo Folklorico Los Laureles performing at halftime. Additionally, there will be education and recognition of community organizations, as well as a special item of the match t-shirt designed by local artist Emilio Cortez and a limited-edition Latino Heritage Night pin.

The Kansas City Current has been on a strong run, notching four shutouts in their last five matches. Their recent victory over Racing Louisville FC was particularly impressive, with forward Temwa Chawinga scoring just 109 seconds into the contest, tying her NWSL single-season record with her 18th goal. Midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo also contributed significantly with a spectacular free kick goal in the 86th minute, securing an insurance goal for the Current.

Bay FC's defense will face a significant challenge with Temwa Chawinga, who has been in exceptional form. Chawinga has scored against 12 of the 13 other teams in the NWSL this season, a feat no player has achieved before. Her goal-scoring record is unmatched, and she continues to lead the Golden Boot race with 18 goals and six assists.

Bay FC's Asisat Oshoala has also been in top form, scoring the team's last four goals. Her recent partnership with Racheal Kundananji has been particularly effective, with Kundananji providing the assist for their first combined goal of the season against NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Bay FC's Journey to the Playoffs

Bay FC has been on a rollercoaster ride this season, with some impressive victories and some tough losses. They have beaten teams like Seattle Reign, Louisville, and Portland, drawn against North Carolina, and narrowly lost to Orlando. Despite these positive results, they are not a team with a lot of offensive firepower, often struggling to score more than a single goal in a match.

However, Bay FC's defense has shown resilience, particularly in their recent matches. They have been in good form until their last game against NJ/NY Gotham FC, where they suffered a 5-1 defeat. This loss has put additional pressure on them as they battle for a playoff spot.

Bay FC's chances of making the playoffs are closely tied to the outcomes of other matches. They are in a tight battle with the Portland Thorns and Louisville for the final two spots in the playoff field. A win against the Kansas City Current could significantly boost their chances of securing a postseason berth.

Kansas City Current's Quest for a Top-Four Spot

The Kansas City Current has already secured a playoff spot but is aiming for a top-four finish. A win against Bay FC would guarantee them at least one home playoff match. However, they are not satisfied with just a single postseason game and are pushing hard to finish in second place, which would give them homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Current's recent victory over Racing Louisville FC was a comprehensive one, with Temwa Chawinga opening the scoring just 109 seconds into the contest. This win marked their fourth shutout in their last five matches, showcasing their defensive prowess.

Kansas City's defense has been particularly impressive this season, conceding just three goals in five matches in September. This trend has continued into October, with four shutouts in their last five contests. Their recent defensive performances have been particularly notable against top-tier teams like Orlando, Washington, and Gotham FC.

The Current's strong September was anchored by an impressive, consistent defense led by goalkeeper Almuth Schult, defenders Kayla Sharples and Alana Cook. This defensive excellence has been crucial in their recent success and will be tested against Bay FC's offense.

The Road to the Playoffs: A High-Stakes Matchup

The matchup between Bay FC and the Kansas City Current is more than just a regular season game; it's a high-stakes encounter that could significantly impact both teams' playoff chances. For Bay FC, a win would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss could jeopardize their postseason aspirations. For the Kansas City Current, a victory would secure a top-four spot and guarantee at least one home playoff match.

The stage is set for an exciting match at PayPal Park, with both teams ready to give it their all. The cultural celebrations and special activations planned for Latino Heritage Night will add an extra layer of excitement to the event, making it a memorable experience for fans in attendance.

The match will be broadcast nationally on ION with Maura Sheridan and Jordan Angeli on the call. Fans in Kansas City can listen to the action with Dave Borchardt and Jillian Carroll Letrinko on 90.9 The Bridge or through the KC Current App in English or Spanish.

Fans can also follow the match internationally on Optus in Australia, TV Azteca in Latin America, and Goat TV in Brazil. For all other territories, the match will be available on NWSL+.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the match between Bay FC and the Kansas City Current is a pivotal moment in both teams' seasons. The stakes are high, and the outcome could have significant implications for their playoff chances. With cultural celebrations and high-level soccer on display, this matchup promises to be an exciting and memorable event for fans in attendance and watching worldwide.

As the teams take to the field at PayPal Park, one thing is clear: only one team can emerge victorious. The world will be watching as these two dynamic teams clash in what promises to be an unforgettable night of soccer.

Learn More at Direct Post