Bay FC starts slowly, falls 2-1 as Chicago Stars FC win first match of NWSL season

SAN JOSE — Chicago Stars forward Ludmila’s two-goal first half handed Bay FC a 2-1 defeat Sunday, its first home loss and second loss of the season.

It wasn’t the type of match Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya expected.

“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 said. “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 goal was scored on a penalty by Caroline Conti in the bottom left corner of the net. The penalty kick was Conti’s first career NWSL goal.

“When it comes to PKs, no one takes it better than her. It’s actually quite impressive, so it was a no-brainer,” Montoya said on choosing Conti to take the penalty kick.

Bay FC (1-2-1) was awarded the penalty after a handball was called 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 said. “I knew I had my teammates behind me, supporting me and then I ultimately had to get up there and finish the deed.”

Ludmila struck first at the five-minute mark after making Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz miss and then center back Abby Dahlkemper miss as well before tapping in the goal. Chicago’s Jameese Joseph assisted with a pass from the midfield line.

The goal was reviewed for offsides but was upheld.

“When you’re down early that doesn’t change the game,” Montoya said. “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 past Silkowitz again in the 18th minute but Dahlkemper blocked the shot with her chest.

“She’s so dangerous, she’s got pace and it’s exciting that she’s in the league,” Montoya said of  Ludmila.

But at the 41-minute mark, Ludmila scored again from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner of the net.

“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 said.

Despite the loss, Dahlkemper said Bay FC handled the ball better, didn’t give the ball away as much and paid attention to countermeasures in the second half, which kept Chicago scoreless and led to her team’s sole goal.

The Stars (1-3-0) finished with nine shots and six shots on goal. Bay FC outshot the Stars with 13 total but had just three shots on goal.

“When you’re not challenging the goalkeeper, then you’re going to have some tough times,” Montoya said.

Silkowitz finished 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 said.

Bay FC’s next match is against the North Carolina Courage at 4 p.m. Saturday at First Horizon Stadium in Cary, NC.