SAN JOSE — After a missed touch from Penelope Hocking, Bay FC’s leading scorer, Alyssa Malonson found herself free on the left side of the box with the goalkeeper and an almost impossible angle.

She fired a missile of a shot past the diving arms of Bella Bixby, Portland’s goalkeeper. It was the third-year defender’s first career goal and it put Bay FC up 1-0.

Malonson’s goal would be all Bay FC needed to get the victory over the Portland Thorns (4-5-3) on Saturday night at PayPal Park.

The first-half goal from Malonson allowed Bay FC (5-3-4) to lock in defensively and completely shut down Portland’s offense.

Despite Malonson’s crucial goal, Jordan Silkowitz was the star of the game. Bay FC’s goalkeeper anchored her team’s stifling defense. She was all over the box keeping shots away and allowing her team to pressure and take away Portland’s space.

Silkowitz’s biggest moment came at the end of the first half when she was faced a one-on-one confrontation with Thorns forward Caiya Hanks. Silkowitz aggressively ran up and blocked what would be Portland’s cleanest look at the goal on the night.

It wasn’t all positive news for Bay FC, which also ost starting defender Jordan Brewster early on with a lower leg injury. But it was “next woman up” for Bay FC and Kelli Hubly filled in and the defense kept on performing at a high level.

Bay FC’s next test will be another home game on Friday against the Orlando Pride.

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