Bay FC held a 2-1 lead until the 87th minute when the Portland Thorn’s Caiya Hanks tied it up 2-2.Bay FC midfielder Kenndy Fuller (47) takes the futbol up the pitch against the Thorns at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sat Oct 18, 2026 (photo by Bay FC)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC were back at home on Sunday afternoon as they hosted the Portland Thorns for a matinee matchup at PayPal Park. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman was in the house to watch the game as well. The Thorns down 2-1 in the 87th minute came away with a tying goal by Caiya Hanks to force a 2-2 draw.

Bay came out of the gate with a considerable amount of energy, controlling play in the opening minutes and generating some chances. Despite the strong start, it was Portland that scored the opening goal as Morgan Weaver was able to strike the ball past Jordan Silkowitz in the tenth minute to put the Thorns up 1-0.

Bay FC were seemingly given an opportunity to tie things up in the 29th minute when Agostina Holzheier was taken down inside the box and a penalty was awarded by the referee, Alexandra Billeter. After a delay, the play was reviewed and it was determined there was no foul. Ultimately, the ball doesn’t lie, though, and Bay FC tied things up moments later when Karlie Lema had a perfect centering pass to Caroline Conti, who put it past Mackenzie Arnold and into the net.

Conti picked up a yellow card toward the end of the first half, the first booking of the night. A couple of minutes later, the official blew her whistle to mark the start of halftime.

Joelle Anderson exited the game at half-time for Bay FC, being replaced by Aldana Cometti for the final 45 minutes. Portland made their first changes of the night in the 56th minute. Agostina Holzheier came out shortly after being fouled very hard, as Cristiana Girelli entered the match in the 64th minute.

Kennedy Fuller scored in the 68th minute following a perfectly placed through-ball by Lema, which put the midfielder in toward goal. Portland found an equalizer in the 87th minute when Caiya Hanks was able to hit the nylon, making it a 2-2 game with minimal time remaining.

Sydney Collins and Conti exited the game in the 90th minute, giving way for Kelli Hubly and Maddie Moreau.

Ultimately, the substitutes wouldn’t have a chance to make an impact as the final whistle blew three minutes later as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.