By Cami Yee
One of the most highly anticipated games in Bay FC’s first inaugural season, the newest installment in the NWSL set off to play the world’s best: FC Barcelona Femini. With some of the greatest players in the world on their roster, the reigning Champions League winners drew crowds from all over the Bay Area. Especially with global stars such as Alexia Putellas, the Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, and Aitana Bonmati, the FIFA Best Women’s Player, in attendance, fans at PayPal Park were guaranteed an exciting match between the two teams. Bay FC hosted the Spanish nationals on August 27, kindly reaching out to local Bay Area girls’ teams to offer them an opportunity to see the well- awaited match.
As one of the many fans in attendance, myself and Chloe Pyo were amazed by the sheer amount of people immensely invested in the match, illustrating clearly the rise of demand for women’s sports in the last few years. Thousands of fans, more than 14,000 to be exact, showed up sporting their respective teams’ jerseys and waiting excitedly for the game to begin. An abundance of Barcelona kits, both old and new, flooded the stands with color, especially the royal blue and maroon the renowned club is known for. Adding on to the memorable environment was the beautiful sunset which accompanied the match.
The game itself was extremely exciting. Rarely seen in any match, a combined total of 8 goals– 2 in the last five minutes of the match– between the two teams ensured a thrill for fans no matter the team they supported. The game went back and forth, with Bay FC barely ahead with a 2-1 lead at the end of the first half. The magic began during the last half of the game when Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati were subbed in near the 68-minute mark. Fans watched in awe as the two changed the entire tempo of the game. With skillful footwork and extraordinary vision of the pitch, these two global superstars intensified the game and ultimately FC Barcelona’s lead.
Overall, the match ended with an unchallenged 5-2 win for the European champions who continued their United States tour by demolishing Dallas Trinity FC 6-0. The visit from these fantastic women who have inspired many young girls across the globe has marked a new era for women’s sports and soccer in America.