Twice as nice: Racheal Kundananji scores Bay FC's first-ever brace, secure final NWSL playoff spot

WHAT HAPPENED

Bay FC closed out their inaugural NWSL regular season in style on Saturday night versus the Houston Dash. A win is win—sure—but how about a 3-2, high-stakes victory that secures the final playoff position? I mean, it doesn’t get more clutch than that. A Houston own goal and a dangerous Racheal Kundananji sealed the deal, ending Racing Louisville’s postseason hopes and giving Bay fans plenty to cheer about.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This squad is redefining what it means to be an expansion team. This win not only secured their playoff spot, but also cemented Bay FC in the NWSL record books for most wins by a first-year team. Eleven victories may not seem like a monumental number—until you remember they surpassed the 2022 record set by San Diego Wave with ten.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saturday’s game marked a true first for Kundananji—her two goals made her the first Bay FC player to score a brace. And with Bay’s playoff dreams now a reality, this young roster is building a legacy of "firsts." Bay’s debut season has been nothing short of remarkable.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR BAY FC?

Playoff time. Bay FC will now set their sights on the postseason, where they’ll have the chance to prove that their regular-season accomplishments were no fluke. Expect that typical Bay FC intensity and hunger for success—it’s the squad's first-ever NWSL playoff campaign, after all.