Bay FC 1-0 Houston Dash — Cristiana Girelli delivered the decisive moment in the 89th minute as Bay FC claimed a dramatic National Women’s Soccer League victory over Houston Dash on Sunday at PayPal Park.
The match appeared to be heading for a hard-earned draw after a scoreless first half and a tightly contested second period, but Girelli, introduced from the bench, found the breakthrough when Bay needed it most. Her 89th-minute goal separated the sides and sent the home crowd of 12,548 into celebration.
Houston controlled more of the ball, finishing with 57.6 percent possession, and created sustained pressure through 12 corners. The Dash also put nine attempts on target from 15 shots, but Bay FC held firm defensively and made their late opportunity count.
Bay FC were dangerous despite seeing less possession, registering 17 shots and seven on target while earning seven corners. Sydney Collins was shown a yellow card in the 84th minute, but Bay kept their composure through a tense finish before Girelli’s late intervention settled the fixture.
The result moves Bay FC’s overall record to 6-4-10, while Houston Dash leave San Jose with a 7-5-9 mark after a match in which they created plenty but could not find a finishing touch.
Bay FC return to action on Sunday, August 30, against Washington Spirit. Houston Dash will host Seattle Reign FC later that day.
Goal scorer: Cristiana Girelli 89′
