Bay FC HubBay FC opened their 2026 season with a 2-1 win over Denver Summit FC. The match, played in front of 13,110 fans at PayPal Park, marked a fresh start for the team after a disappointing second season.
What happened?
Bay FC's inaugural season in 2024 was a surprise success, but the team fell flat in their second season, ending with the departure of head coach Albertin Montoya.
Why it matters for Bay FC
The 2026 opener provided a glimmer of hope for a year full of potential, with the team displaying the building blocks of a reboot. Fans were excited to watch the team rise from the ashes.
What comes next?
Bay FC acquired several new players, including rising star Claire Hutton, who arrived in February in a $1.1 million transfer from the Kansas City Current. Hutton is just 20 years old but is already making a name for herself in the U.S. women's national team.
| Player | Position | Former Team |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Hutton | Defensive Midfielder | Kansas City Current |
| Alex Pfeiffer | Forward | Kansas City Current |
| Heather Gilchrist | Center Back | |
| Keira Barry | Forward | |
| Anouk Denton | Defender | |
| Aldana Cometti | Defender | |
| Camryn Miller | Goalkeeper | |
| Cristiana Girelli | Forward | Juventus (on loan) |
The team's ambition is to win and compete for championships consistently, according to coach Emma Coates. Captain Sydney Collins added that the goal is to win, but the team is focused on developing their style of play. And with a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, Bay FC is looking to make a statement in the 2026 season. But for now, the team is taking it one game at a time, with their next match on the horizon. So the question on everyone's mind is: can Bay FC sustain this momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs?
