Oshoala scores in consecutive games to keep Bay FC’s Playoffs hope alive
Nigeria international, Asisat Oshoala was on target for Bay FC as they held host The North Carolina Courage FC to 1-1 draw in a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match at the WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina on Saturday.
Bay FC controlled the match’s opening tempo and got the breakthrough just nine minutes into the game, as former Courage FC forward, Tess Boade, sets up an unmarked Oshoala in the box with a pass from the right, and the former Barcelona forward, buried her effort in the bottom left corner – her fifth goal of the season.
The host responded just before the half-hour mark, as captain Denise O’Sullivan picked up a loose ball and laid an assist for Ashley Sanchez to slot in the equaliser.
Bay FC’s Kundananji created two chances before halftime, but Courage’s goalkeeper, Casey Murphy, made timely saves to avert the danger posed by her low crosses on both occasions.
Five minutes into the second period, Tess Boade saw her right-footed shot inside the box blocked for a corner, following a cross from Rachel Hill. Kundananji also had
her header from a corner saved by Casey, four minutes after the hour mark.
Substitute Oliver Wingate had an opportunity to net the winner for the home side in the 76th minute, with a well-taken left-footed shot, but Katelyn Rowland spilled her effort which resulted in a goal-mouth scramble, before defender, Emily Menges finally cleared the danger.
Notwithstanding the draw, Oshoala said it was a good feeling, especially for her team’s great efforts in battling a very tough side.
In her words: “They are a good team and play good football as well, it was difficult but we were able to get one point and it’s a big point for us.
“This is one of the teams in the playoffs, and at this stage, every point we get is very important. It was a good outing for us physically and mentally”.
The Albertin Montoya led side have now extended their unbeaten run to three consecutive league games and two consecutive away games.
They currently sit on the eighth spot on the table, with six 2024 NWSL regular-season matches remaining, and are set to qualify for the post-season championship playoffs, as one of the top eight teams.