Coates: Bay FC must respond to pattern from last two losses

SAN JOSE – Bay FC’s 3-2 loss to the Seattle Reign Saturday at PayPal Park followed a familiar script: another early deficit and another missed opportunity to gain ground in the NWSL playoff race.

Four days after conceding in the second minute of a 1-0 loss to visiting Gotham FC, Bay FC spotted Seattle two goals in the opening 10 minutes before rallying, only to surrender a late winner.

“We just can’t start games like that,” Bay coach Emma Coates said. “They’re already tough games in this league, and then to start this game going 2-0 down, the Gotham game going 1-0 down, you’re almost making the job harder than it already is. That’s the biggest lesson over this week.”

The defeat capped a stretch of three losses in nine days and left Bay FC (5-9-3, 18 points) in 14th place in the 16-team league, five points outside the final playoff spot. The club returns to action Aug. 9 with a road match against last-place Chicago.

Jess Fishlock, Wales’ all-time leading scorer, scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute as Seattle (7-7-2, 23 points) spoiled a breakout night from Bay FC midfielder Hannah Bebar.

Bebar scored her first professional goal and added her second career assist as Bay FC erased an early two-goal deficit. But the comeback ultimately fell short, dropping Bay to 2-5-2 at home. Bay FC remains the only NWSL team averaging fewer than one point per home match this season.

Seattle forward Maddie Dahlien created both early goals down the left side. In the fifth minute, her cross into the box was redirected by Mia Fishel for the opening goal. Five minutes later, Dahlien doubled the advantage herself after finding space behind Bay’s defense.

The sluggish start mirrored Wednesday’s defeat, leaving Bay FC once again chasing the game before many fans had settled into their seats.

“I think we’ve started the last two games quite slow and passive,” Coates said. “It feels like once we’ve been punched in the face, we’re sort of able to turn it on… The next step for us is being consistent throughout 90 minutes.”

Bay FC’s response, however, showcased the promise of one of the league’s youngest teams.

After being shut out in its previous two matches, Bebar ignited the comeback in the 13th minute. The second-year midfielder, signed out of Duke before the 2025 season, drove forward with space in front of her before unleashing a shot from outside the penalty area into the upper corner for her first NWSL goal.

“I’m not the type of player who is necessarily going to be shooting from that range,” Bebar said. “But I saw an opportunity, and I just went for it.”

Bay thought it had tied the game just 10 minutes later when Dorian Bailey found the net, but the goal was overturned after video review because Bailey was ruled offside in the leadup. It marked the latest in a string of VAR decisions that have frustrated the club this season; an offside call also negated an equalizer Wednesday.

“I honestly don’t understand the rules anymore,” Coates said. “We’ve had three goals this season ruled back by, frankly, decisions that are so minute, and that is killing the game.”

Bay FC finally drew level in the 75th minute on a well-worked set piece. Bebar slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Keira Barry, who finished inside the far post for her second goal of the season.

Barry said the play reflected the freedom Coates has encouraged throughout the season.

“We have a lot of creative players, and the coaching staff tells us to be creative and do the things that we see,” Barry said.

The momentum lasted only 10 minutes.

Fishlock slipped behind Bay’s back line in the 85th minute, received a pass and beat goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz one-on-one to restore Seattle’s lead for good.

It was Seattle’s first win over Bay FC in five meetings, and it spoiled what was arguably Bebar’s finest performance as a professional.

“I’m so proud of (Bebar) this season,” Coates said. “She’s really stepping into form. Her decision-making on the ball is unreal, she’s got so many different tools, and I thought today she was outstanding.”

Despite the loss, Bebar believes Bay FC’s performances are trending in the right direction.

“I think there’s growing pains, with the club in its third year (and) a new coaching staff,” Bebar said. “At the end of the day, we’re building something great here, and I think it’s going to take time, but we’re for sure onto something good.”

But Bay FC is running out of time if it hopes to make the playoffs this season.