Asisat Oshoala has made history in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with her new club, Bay FC. The Nigerian forward joined the San Francisco-based team for its inaugural season in 2024, marking an impactful year for both the club and player.
Bay FC finished the regular season with 11 wins out of 26 matches, the highest number of victories by any expansion team in its first season. This record-breaking performance has set the team apart and reflects their competitive strength from the start.
With 34 points, Bay FC secured 7th position on the NWSL table, enough to clinch a playoff berth in their debut season. The club is set to face Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals on Sunday, 10 November 2024. This playoff opportunity highlights the rapid strides Bay FC has made, fueled by Oshoala’s skill and leadership on the field.
Oshoala, known for her speed and scoring ability, brought her experience from playing with FC Barcelona to Bay FC. She scored seven goals this season, placing her 13th in the league’s scoring chart. Her contributions have been essential to Bay FC’s impressive run, underscoring her role as a key player for the team.
Bay FC plays its home games at the 18,000-capacity PayPal Park in San Jose, California, which it shares with the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the San Jose Earthquakes. The stadium has served as a central hub for fans, contributing to a vibrant game-day atmosphere as the club continues to build its fanbase in the Bay Area.
The club was founded by an ownership group led by investment firm Sixth Street Partners, alongside four former U.S. women’s national team players. Bay FC was awarded an NWSL expansion franchise in April 2023, becoming the first women’s professional soccer team in the Bay Area since the San Jose CyberRays and FC Gold Pride, both of which played in earlier women’s leagues.
Oshoala’s success with Bay FC adds to her already remarkable career and reinforces her status as a global star. Her contributions have played a significant part in Bay FC’s record-breaking season, setting high expectations as the team heads into the playoffs.
