SAN JOSE — Chicago Stars ahead Ludmila’s two-goal first half handed Bay FC a 2-1 defeat Sunday, its first house loss and second lack of the season.
It wasn’t the kind of match Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya anticipated.
“This one was a difficult one to understand because we had a great two weeks of practice, energy was good and we played some decent football, but we were having some hard times there in the attacking third in the first half,” Montoya stated. “Second half, we came out with a lot more energy, we were creating chances and I got to give credit to Chicago.”
Bay FC’s lone objective was scored on a penalty by Caroline Conti within the backside left nook of the web. The penalty kick was Conti’s first profession NWSL objective.
“When it comes to PKs, no one takes it better than her. It’s actually quite impressive, so it was a no-brainer,” Montoya stated on selecting Conti to take the penalty kick.
Bay FC (1-2-1) was awarded the penalty after a handball was known as on Stars midfielder Maitane López.
“As soon as the PK was called, I knew I was going to get the ball because I’ve been working on it a lot in training, honestly every day, and I felt very confident,” Conti stated. “I knew I had my teammates behind me, supporting me and then I ultimately had to get up there and finish the deed.”
Chicago Stars ahead Ludmila (14) celebrates a objective in opposition to the Bay FC through the first half of their recreation on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Space Information Group)
Ludmila struck first on the five-minute mark after making Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz miss after which middle again Abby Dahlkemper miss as properly earlier than tapping within the objective. Chicago’s Jameese Joseph assisted with a move from the midfield line.
The objective was reviewed for offsides however was upheld.
“When you’re down early that doesn’t change the game,” Montoya stated. “You’ve got another 85 minutes to continue doing your thing. And in the first half we actually were moving the ball too slowly from side to side, through the middle and we weren’t finding the pockets because they’re almost too relaxed.”
Ludmila would get previous Silkowitz once more within the 18th minute however Dahlkemper blocked the shot together with her chest.
“She’s so dangerous, she’s got pace and it’s exciting that she’s in the league,” Montoya stated of Ludmila.
However on the 41-minute mark, Ludmila scored once more from the proper facet of the field into the underside left nook of the web.
“I think every team in this league has a dangerous attack and quality players, and I think if you’re not getting your countermeasures right, you can get hurt,” Dahlkemper stated.
Bay FC midfielder Caroline Conti (15) battles Chicago Stars defender Camryn Biegalski (30) for the ball through the second half of their recreation on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Space Information Group)
Regardless of the loss, Dahlkemper stated Bay FC dealt with the ball higher, didn’t give the ball away as a lot and paid consideration to countermeasures within the second half, which stored Chicago scoreless and led to her workforce’s sole objective.
The Stars (1-3-0) completed with 9 pictures and 6 pictures on objective. Bay FC outshot the Stars with 13 whole however had simply three pictures on objective.
“When you’re not challenging the goalkeeper, then you’re going to have some tough times,” Montoya stated.
Silkowitz completed with three saves.
“They capitalized on their chances and we didn’t, so it’s football, we get right back on it and we go to Carolina,” Montoya stated.
Bay FC’s subsequent match is in opposition to the North Carolina Braveness at 4 p.m. Saturday at First Horizon Stadium in Cary, NC.
Initially Revealed: April 13, 2025 at 8:18 PM PDT
