Bay FC’s playoff hopes on the line in pivotal clash with Houston Dash | OneFootball

This Saturday, Bay FC host Houston Dash in one of this season's most anticipated NWSL regular-season matchups. Coming from Shell Energy Stadium, this is both teams' final match before the playoffs and is sure to be nothing less than an absolute stirrer. A playoff position will be clear for Bay FC, which is an expansion team in its first year. A win or a tie in this game will make history for Bay FC as joining that very small circle of expansion teams that made the playoffs in their first year. On the other hand, Houston Dash have an opportunity to crush their opponent's playoff hopes, and it's all set for an exciting encounter.

A win would not only lock in that historic milestone but put Bay FC even better in the standings, considering Bay FC already matched San Diego Wave's mark of ten set in 2022 for most wins by an expansion team. One thing that has made Bay's journey so impressive is due to their dynamic attacking duo of Racheal Kundananji and Asisat Oshoala, with half the goals scored this season. In a recent 1-0 win over North Carolina Courage, it showed the resilience of this team as Kundananji provided an assist to Abby Dahlkemper to seal an important victory.

However, Bay FC is still behind in its matchup history with Houston. In the last game, Dash pulled off a late 3-2 comeback that left Bay FC with a taste of defeat. Now, Bay needs to stay focused and not give in to pressure and expectations for such an important match. It's a defining moment, and Bay holds its own fate.

Houston Dash take to the pitch with a strong urge to finish the regular season in style. The visitors can block Bay FC's route to the playoffs and damp the aspirations of the expansion team for a first-season postseason.

Behind the scenes, Houston welcome back six players who've been on international duty, including Ramona Bachmann and Sarah Puntigam, who each hit the 150-cap milestone for their national teams. While forward Diana Ordóñez remains out with injury, the returning players bring great depth into Dash's roster. Young midfielder Zoe Matthews, recently made her professional start, will also take to the pitch, showing the next generation of this team.

For Dash, the motivation is to keep the trend of the past three seasons going - where teams that finished last one year turned it around to reach the playoffs the next. A win on Saturday would be a fitting goodbye for the fans, a season closer full of pride, and a taste of revenge.

The Playoff Race: Bay FC's Scenarios

Bay FC have a couple of ways to lock up a playoff spot: they either have to win or draw against Houston or hope Racing Louisville doesn't beat San Diego Wave. Other current favorable outcomes for Bay will come if Portland Thorns lose against Angel City FC, provided Bay's goal differential stays better. And Bay could advance even with a loss if Louisville also loses and Portland's goal differential ends up lower.

But caution is key. Bay takes to the pitch with a -11 goal differential, which puts added pressure on their defense. Racing Louisville and Portland Thorns both also have 31 points, matching Bay's, but with stronger goal differentials. Any slip-up on Saturday and Bay's playoff aspirations go seriously at risk.