Bay FC and Gotham FC battled to a 1-1 draw as both clubs battle for a playoff spot (photo from 8 In a Row)

By William Espy

Bay FC was back at PayPal Park on Sunday night, as they hosted Gotham FC to a 1-1 draw in San Jose. It was a match that could have major playoff implications for both teams.

Bay FC is running out of time to find a way into the postseason during Albertin Montoya’s final season on the sideline. Meanwhile, Gotham is in a major fight not only for playoff seeding, but a late-season slump could see them fall out of the top-eight altogether.

Gotham got out to a lead in the first half, as star midfielder Rose Lavelle was able to get the ball past Jordan Silkowitz with a shot from the center of the box. Gotham would maintain that lead until the 68th minute, when Rachael Kundananji, off of a pass from Alyssa Malonson, scored an equalizer from outside of the box.

Although Bay FC dominated possession throughout the match, as they like to do, their opponents did a great job limiting their chances. Gotham outshot Bay by a significant margin, as they led total shots 12-8, and shots on target 4-2.

The draw was Bay FC’s second straight result, however, it has reached the point of the season where single points won’t be enough if they’re pushing for the postseason.

There are only five games remaining, and Bay FC are currently nine points behind the eighth place North Carolina Courage. As a result, Bay FC needs to win moving forward, otherwise they’ll miss the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Next match Sat Sep 27: It’s the Utah Royals FC vs. Bay FC at Pay Pal Park with a 7:00pm PT kick off.