Match Preview: Bay FC Hosts Chicago Stars FC for Pride Match at PayPal Park
NWSL Bay FC

Match Preview: Bay FC Hosts Chicago Stars FC for Pride Match at PayPal Park

Published on May 22, 2026 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Bay FC News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - Bay FC closes out a busy stretch of three matches in ten days Sunday, welcoming Chicago Stars FC to PayPal Park for a Sunday matinee. It's the club's final home match until July, with the NWSL schedule pausing to accommodate international fixtures across the globe in June. Bay FC will celebrate Pride alongside the match ahead of the start of Pride Month, recognizing the Bay Area's vibrant, inclusive, and diverse LGBTQ+ community. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT and the match will broadcast live on ESPN+ and the ESPN App.

Bay FC sets eyes on a rebound performance after a tough 2-0 defeat at Portland mid week. The club did well to threaten against the Oregon side but wasn't able to find the back of the net before the final whistle sounded, ending a three-match unbeaten run. Chicago visits Northern California looking to reverse its own tough run of form and establish some momentum entering the June international break.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bay FC forward Karlie Lema: The Bay Area native was a catalyst Wednesday in Portland after entering the match as a halftime substitute, helping Bay FC threaten offensively throughout the second half. She tallied two shots with one on target and combined with midfielder Taylor Huff on a pair of occasions that nearly resulted in an equalizer. Her pace and aggression up top could be a deciding factor against Chicago's backline.

Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson: Swanson was added to her club's roster last week and came off the bench late in North Carolina, marking her official return from maternity leave. It was welcome sight to Chicago fans, who have missed the presence of the 2019 World Cup and 2024 Olympic champion in the time she's been out. She's still building up fitness, but alongside a new attacking teammate in forward Jordyn Huitema, she may quickly make a difference.

IN SILKY WE TRUST

Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz continues to stand on her head for her club with stellar performances between the sticks. Wednesday at Portland, she tallied five saves to bring her total for the season to 36, the most among goalkeepers league wide entering this weekend. Two tremendous stops helped keep her club in the match, an 11th min reactive effort with an outstretched right leg, and later a 60th minute all-out dive each denied Portland forward Sophia Wilson. Since play resumed following the April international window, she ranks first league-wide in saves (26) and fourth in save percentage (81.25%) among goalkeepers making at least four appearances.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

Chicago enters Sunday's match on a tough run of form. The club hasn't scored in four matches, suffering four straight losses in that span. A lot of attacking pressure from its opponents has dictated recent results, with its last five foes combining for 11 goals and 96 total shots. The club's last match ended with a lopsided scoreline favoring the North Carolina Courage, with additional concerns raised by the early exit of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher due to injury in the first half.

Swanson's return against North Carolina was a significant bright spot for the club. Out since the start of 2025 on maternity leave, her presence could jolt the club considering its attacking struggles. She played just 15 minutes off the bench and will likely serve a limited role in the coming weeks as she builds fitness, but her pedigree remains a statement to her potential impact.

LAST CHANCE 'TIL JULY

Sunday's match will be the last chance for fans to catch Bay FC in action at home until July, as the club travels to Orlando May 29 before the NWSL schedule pauses to accommodate international matches throughout June. Bay FC won't return to PayPal Park again until July 18, when the North Carolina Courage visit the Bay Area. Tickets to Sunday's match remain available at BayFC.com/tickets.

CELEBRATING PRIDE AT PAYPAL PARK

From the time gates open to the final whistle on Sunday, Bay FC will host matchday programming celebrating the Bay Area's vibrant, inclusive, and diverse LGBTQ+ community ahead of the start of Pride Month.

Bay FC will welcome Dykes on Bikes in celebration of the organization's 50th anniversary, who will light up the Bay FC Bridge to open the match. A special drag show featuring drag performers from across the Bay Area, celebrating creativity, self-expression, and community, and Spirit Station highlighting Pride and LGBTQ+ community history, face painting, and a Pride-themed photo backdrop will fill up FanFest prior to kickoff. Fans attending Sunday's Pride Match will get exclusive first access to shop the club's 2026 Pride Collection, with 10% percent of net proceeds from in-stadium sales benefitting the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

Check out the Bay FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 22, 2026


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