Bay FC snapped its four-match losing streak Saturday, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw on the road against the Orlando Pride at Inter&Co. Stadium.
Bay, playing its first game since coach Albertin Montoya’s resignation at season’s end was announced earlier this week, scored first on Rachel Kundananji’s record-setting goal just before halftime. However, Orlando knotted things up at 1-1 with 20 minutes left in the game and both teams left the field with one point.
“It was an exciting game that could’ve gone either way today,” said Montoya. “We have a lot to be proud of coming and playing in Orlando, the first point we’ve had against Orlando. I thought our players showed a lot of fight, played really well and created some good opportunities. The energy and mentality was exactly what we asked of them.”
Bay FC dominated the opening moments, keeping possession almost exclusively in Orlando’s half throughout the first 10 minutes. Forward Rachel Hill came close to an opening score just five minutes in, only getting denied by a diving save in the fifth minute.
Orlando Pride forward Ally Watt (11) yells in celebration after heading the ball into the net to tie the score 1-1 against Bay FC during the second half of the match at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)
Bay FC took the lead on a sequence that began with an errant clearance attempt that defender Caprice Dydasco and served back near the box from midfield, with Kundananji getting on the end to head it through. The score was Kundananji’s third of the season and eighth all-time with Bay FC, making her the club’s all-time scoring leader in regular season play.
Orlando knotted the match later in the second half when Pride forward Aly Watt got on the end of service from the right flank.
There was nearly some late-game heroics from Bay defender Alyssa Malonson, who entered for Kundananji with three minutes to go. Malonson sent a powerful shot at frame from the left after charging up the flank, but was denied by a leaping stop from the goalkeeper as the match proceeded to stoppage time.
Bay goalie Jordan Silkowitz finished the match with seven saves, including a couple of spectacular denials. She tied her career-high set a week ago vs. Kansas City at PayPal Park.
Bay FC returns home for back-to-back home matches starting next weekend, with Gotham FC visiting the Bay Area next Sunday.
