Washington Spirit Shuts Out Bay FC in 2-0 Victory

Bay FC suffers first shutout loss of the 2026 NWSL season

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Bay FC was held scoreless for the first time this season, losing 2-0 to the Washington Spirit at PayPal Park. The Spirit dominated possession and outshot Bay 20-6, including a 10-1 advantage in attempts on goal. Washington scored in the 57th minute on an own goal and added a second in the 86th minute to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This loss marks the first time Bay FC has been shut out under coach Emma Coates, raising questions about their offensive struggles against a strong Washington team. The Spirit's win also gives them their first victory of the 2026 NWSL season after making the league final last year.

The details

Washington's first goal came in the 57th minute when Bay defender Brooklyn Courtnall inadvertently kicked the ball into her own net after goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz had come out to try and clear a slow-rolling cross. Former Cal star Paige Metayer was applying pressure on the play. Bay nearly equalized minutes later on a corner kick, but Taylor Huff's curling attempt went just wide. In the 86th minute, Washington's Gift Monday poked home a rebound to make it 2-0 after Trinity Rodman's shot was saved.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Washington scored its first goal in the 57th minute.
  • Washington scored its second goal in the 86th minute.

The players

Jordan Silkowitz

The goalkeeper for Bay FC who made 9 saves in the match.

Brooklyn Courtnall

A defender for Bay FC who scored an own goal in the 57th minute.

Paige Metayer

A former Cal star who plays for the Washington Spirit and was involved in the play that led to the first goal.

Gift Monday

A Washington Spirit player who scored the second goal in the 86th minute.

Trinity Rodman

A Washington Spirit player whose shot was saved, leading to the second goal.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to break through against tough defenses like Washington. This was a frustrating loss, but we'll regroup and come back stronger.”

— Emma Coates, Head Coach, Bay FC

What’s next

Bay FC's next NWSL match won't be until April 25, when they visit reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC. PayPal Park will host a friendly between the U.S. women's national team and Japan next Saturday.

The takeaway

This loss highlights Bay FC's offensive struggles against a dominant Washington Spirit team. As the season progresses, Bay will need to find ways to break down tough defenses if they want to remain competitive in the NWSL.