Santa Clara University alumni-founded NWSL team Bay FC (3-2-3) hosted Boston Legacy FC (2-3-5) on Friday, May 15 at PayPal Park. Bay FC co-founders include former Bronco women’s soccer players Brandi Chastain ’91, Danielle Slaton ’02, Aly Wagner ’02 and Leslie Osborne ’05.

The game celebrated Santa Clara University Night and Educator Night. Before kickoff, students and alumni who purchased tickets through the SCU Night promotion received a co-branded Santa Clara University and Bay FC scarf.

Students were also given the opportunity to walk onto the field carrying a Bay FC flag before the game.

Students and alumni of Santa Clara University walk off the field at PayPal Park holding the Bay FC flag on Friday, May 19, 2026. **(Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)**

Bay FC created several scoring opportunities in the first half but was unable to capitalize. In the closing minutes to halftime, Boston defender Bianca St-Georges was awarded a red card when attempting to challenge Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton.

At halftime, Ricardo Padilla, programs director for mission, culture and student engagement of the Santa Clara University School of Engineering, was honored as one of the educators for his dedication to supporting students.

Ricardo Padilla is honored during the halftime ceremony of the Bay FC versus Boston FC game on Friday, May 19, 2026. **(Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)**

“It’s a big honor to be recognized. It’s not necessarily for recognition. To have someone at professional sports nominate me is really touching. The work is being noticed by people that I never thought would notice the work,” said Padilla.

Like many sports fans in the Bay Area, Padilla is excited to see women’s sports continue to grow locally. That excitement grew on May 19, when the PWHL announced a new women’s hockey expansion team in San Jose.

“There’s some of the most exciting sports teams in the Bay Area right now. It’s always been great to go to the college games, but to see it at a professional level and see women at such a higher level is such an amazing experience to watch,” said Padilla.

After the halftime celebrations, Bay FC finally broke through in the 51st minute when midfielder Dorian Bailey scored the opening goal.

Boston responded in the 62nd minute after forward Aissata Traore was fouled in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick for Boston. Striker Amanda Gutierres scored the goal to tie up the match. This ended Bay’s club-record 289-minute shutout streak.

Despite many late opportunities for Bay FC, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Although Bay FC’s founders are deeply connected to Santa Clara University, none of the current players share ties to the University. However, a Santa Clara connection appeared on the opposing team.

Boston defender and former Bronco Annie Karich joined the club in July 2025 as the organization’s first-ever signing. She became the second Santa Clara women’s soccer alumna to join an NWSL expansion team. Her contract extends through the end of the 2027 season, with an option to renew for 2028.

“It made me feel really valued. They didn’t have a head coach, so it was kind of a two-way trust. I’m happy that I decided to take that leap of faith with a lot of the unknowns,” said Karich. “That was just some of the things that came with being the first one at such an early stage in the club’s development. It felt really great that they had that confidence and trust in me as well.”

The match marked a homecoming for Karich, who spent the last few years playing internationally and had not competed in the Bay Area since turning professional.

“Being able to have my first game back in California felt great. Incredible. Having all the support there and with the connection I have to Santa Clara, having people from there to support me as well, just felt amazing,” said Karich.

Karich credited her time at Santa Clara for shaping her growth mindset.

“The lessons that I learned at Santa Clara were to be humble, to push yourself for more, and to stay hungry. Have that growth mindset and always want to improve, no matter where you’re at. It’s helped me to never settle and to always want more for myself,” said Karich.

Karich spoke about the impact Chastain had on her time at Santa Clara.

“She’s definitely someone that I’ve looked up to a lot. Having her kind of close by to us at Santa Clara, it was really special. She’s so smart and knows a lot about the game, so I really valued her feedback. Her comments helped me a lot in my development,” praised Karich.

Next up: Bay FC will travel to face the Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 pm, while Boston Legacy FC will host Seattle Reign FC on Friday, May 22, at 5 pm.