Jordan Silkowitz set a club record with 12 saves and star forward Racheal Kundananji made her season debut, but Bay FC was unable to overcome a big early deficit and lost 3-0 to defending NWSL champion Gotham FC on Saturday morning at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Bay FC (2-0-3) was playing its first match since April 5 because the league had been on an international break. Bay FC suffered its second consecutive shutout loss overall. The San Jose club returns to action on Sunday, May 3 at San Diego.
Gotham FC (2-2-2) had been one of the league’s most disappointing teams in the opening month, winning its opener and then going winless in its next four matches. The squad entered Saturday having scored just two goals in its first five matches and had two scoreless draws.
Jordan Silkowitz #29 of Bay FC reacts during the NWSL match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bay FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images)
But Gotham FC came out firing against Bay FC, out-shooting San Jose 25-3. Bay FC was credited with just one shot on goal, while Gotham FC had 14.
A Bay FC own goal in the 20th minute got the scoring got started, and then longtime U.S. Women’s National Team star Rose Lavelle made it 2-0 in the 40th minute. Spanish star Esther Gonzalez converted a penalty kick in extra time to send Gotham into halftime with a three-goal advantage.
Silkowitz had a clean second half and surpassed Lysianne Proulx’s 10-save effort in the club’s inaugural match in 2024.
Kundananji suffered a knee injury in late February while playing for Zambia in an Olympic qualifying match. She made her Bay FC season debut as a second half substitute.
Racheal Kundananji #9 of Bay FC warms up prior to the NWSL match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bay FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images)