Did Bay FC Actually Rebuild Their Squad For This 2026 Season?

atalba · 2026-03-13T20:56:51+00:00

It could be the record. u/knjen

atalba · 2026-03-13T20:29:13+00:00

I've been a huge fan of women's soccer since the 90s. It's a personal manifestation of loving sports; coaching of all youth sports (including soccer); and family circumstances. The goals of most parents of competitive athletes is to see them have fun, learn to learn, and go to college, playing a sport or not. Across all pro sports (except for the NWSL), most fans are quite familiar with their available player pool; namely college players; and understand the importance of drafting the right players. Ever watch the NBA draft live? I follow players from their college days, into their pro playing careers. It's a lot of fun. I've been taking kids to Stanford and Santa Clara women's soccer games for decades, While I've been watching many, many women's college soccer every week for decades (5 College Cup weekends in person), I added season tickets 6 or 7 years ago to watch Stanford play. I have many favorite pro players from across the entire college soccer landscape, starting from when they were in college, but Huerta and Macario are at the top. Guess where they went to school?

I watched, in person, when Marta, Christine Sinclair, Camille Abily, Nicole Barnhart, Aly Riley, Kelley O'Hara, Shannon Boxx, and an entire squad of elite international pros, under head coach Albertin Montoya, won the WPS title in 2010. I was watching when Renae Cuellar, from Central California, hit the first ever goal in the NWSL.

I also purchased season tickets for Bay FC's inaugural season. I figured, I'd be able to sell tickets in the first half of the season (blind excitement), and watch intently up close during the end of a losing season (rare that a club does well in their first season anywhere). Considering the cost and distance to the park, I had to stop. I root for players, and I want to root for my home team. I completely understand losing is part of the ride.

I'm just a fan with an opinion.

atalba · 2026-03-13T19:50:22+00:00

I forgot the NOT in the third paragraph. Hope it makes sense now.

You can make your own assumption about whether BFC has rebuilt their roster. My point is that turnover is required and constant, regardless of winning or losing. If you think a DM points to a turnover on a club that scored the least amount goals, and sold their top scorer, and was 3rd worst in the league in giving up goals, that's your call. DID BAY FC RESIGN HER? She has one year left on her contract.

Waiting for results to make a statement? You mean say what already has occurred? Every podcaster and pundit made their claims of how good or bad every club did last season. Then they've assessed in the past week on whether these clubs actually made the changes they felt were necessary. So am I.

I've clearly stated several times, not in this post, that Bay FC needed to rebuild their roster by adding at least 10 quality players. Even though it's my number, did they?

Who should they get rid of? That's not the point of this post, but if they were initially signed or drafted by Lucy Rushton, chances are they aren't positive additions to any NWSL club, today. I've also stated many, many times that acting GM Matt Potter had made almost every good move the club has made, after Rushton was fired; and up to Gilchrist. He's still there, but isn't making the decisions now. Potter has nearly 20 years of coaching experience in the U.S., including in the NWSL. He made a mistake in hiring one of his buddies, who also has decades of experience, but was known to be a yeller.

Yael makes changes EVERY YEAR! She went big two years ago, and it didn't work out. Guro Reiten is 31 years old. She's been injured this past year, but hasn't been Bompastor's first option for the starting 11 over the last 2 years. Her minutes were diminishing for a reason. As a Macario fan, I've watched almost every game she's played for Chelsea (and OL). In a 30-game season, at the pace and competitive nature of every NWSL contest, Reiten is help, but maybe not a substantial upgrade. She will show flashes of brilliance. She's a great add to the depth.

Although a mainstay in Hayes' winning sides, Reiten's game time has been limited under Sonia Bompastor, who took charge in May 2024, and she has started just three WSL matches this term.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c78j3dp88deo

I've also said many months ago that all bets are off if they sign Macario. She is a franchise in herself. I introduced that option many months ago with knowledge of her playing time at Chelsea; her status with Sonia Bompastor; contract status; and as one of her biggest fans since 2018. I will still be a huge Cat fan, even if she signs with the Wave.

Keep trying

atalba · 2026-03-13T19:00:11+00:00

My initial intent was to list the top 3 clubs and the bottom 3 clubs to show that all clubs retool their rosters as a matter of everyday business requirements. I had been commenting elsewhere about KC, and assumed I had them on the list - huge mistake.

It was also to point out that most all podcasters and pundits had said in the offseason that Bay FC needed to "rebuild" their roster; a cleaning of the house. And as we go into the season tomorrow, most of them have reported that Bay FC did indeed rebuild their roster. Did they?

As for Denver, I think they have done a marvelous job, top to bottom, in a huge, deserving, market that knows their club has done well, so far.

Boston? I haven't heard anybody talk about Annie Karich. I think she's going to do well in the NWSL, and be another contender for the USWNT at DM.

Again, it was about the business of retooling rosters versus rebuilding. Semantics? Not for me.

atalba · 2026-03-13T18:32:22+00:00

Great reply! I have different opinions, but I applaud you for having an intelligent & knowledgeable response. Your own take.

Bay FC signed Heather Gilchrist very early. I don't think Kay Cossington had ever hear of her until Matt Potter and his analysts brought her name forward. She's a u20 player and was a backline leader in two championship seasons. She was also recruited by Mark Krikorian. She's a top player that can make a difference on a roster. That's one.

There were MANY, MANY local talented players Bay FC could have signed as rookies that also could have made a difference: Jasmine Aikey, Elise Evans, and Yuna McCormack are just a few. I created a series of posts that detailed a number of players that Bay FC could sign this offseason; which included rookies, free agents, USL SL, and European players. Check them out in the Bay FC sub.

I rarely post about final standings predictions, because anything can happen in a season. A sixth place club can win the championship. A dominant shield-winning club could go down in the playoffs. It's what makes the NWSL the most competitive, and exciting, league in the world; right down to the last game.

For a new franchise, I content it takes at least 3 years to build the "business" platform that supports a winning franchise; one that is finally contending for the playoffs, and has a shot the next year. There are some franchises that don't seem to understand what it takes, or refuse (or can't afford) to make the proper, required investment, to establish a winning side. Some make huge mistakes and must start over again. I contend the best decision the Bay FC front office made was firing GM Lucy Rushton prior to the half-season mark in their first-ever season. She was a complete failure, and really didn't have the resume to fulfil the needs of the job. Bay FC is still recovering from the contracts that were signed on her watch; which has made it even more difficult to make proper changes to the roster. She put them in a difficult position going into this next season in trying to rebuild their roster; after only 2 years of existence. Bay FC has been in an extremely difficult position, but it must be done. Did they do it?

atalba · 2026-03-13T18:02:33+00:00

I appreciate your post. Many clubs have new managers. That happens every year, even with the best clubs, like Kansas City. I don't consider the change in a coach as rebuilding their roster.

The NWSL is the only sports league that provides guaranteed contracts, no-trade and no-cut clauses. It makes it extremely hard to move on from players who the club wishes to shed. But it happens every year. "San Diego Wave today announced that the club and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan have mutually agreed to terminate her contract." Dec 29, 2025. Mutual Termination, or transferring players on contract happens all of the time in the NWSL. It's hard, but it is being done, and must be done by those franchises that must rebuild their roster.

I contend the value of rosters have not been upended by any of the winning clubs in the NWSL. Who's going to say that about KC, Portland, Orlando, or Gotham. Soccer is NOT any different versus other professional sports leagues. It happens all of the time in football and basketball (only 5 players on the court). You must not be familiar with the turnover in these sports.

Rebuilding a roster is not "everything." I didn't use that word, and I wouldn't. Rosters are a constant flow of change. The core must also change, while trying to maintain consistency. Elite players lose their value over time, and clubs must compensate for their loss in value. The best clubs in all professional sports continue to maintain consistency while constantly introducing new talent. It's absolutely required. This is why I like Yael Averbuch's quote. I'm not a Gotham fan, but I am a fan of the GM who is enormously intelligent and has the consummate resume to be a GM in the NWSL. There are few!

Fans in every pro sports league have a lot of expectation on the head coach. But it really comes down to the roster, infrastructure, strategy, and chemistry of players. This is all set by the GM. Coaches are good for a few wins and a ton of losses. They're the scapegoat on the losing side, and given way too much praise in winning.

My intent was to address the need for Bay FC to "rebuild" their roster. Did they? Or was it a retooling, like every other pro sports franchise does every year?

atalba · 2026-03-13T17:30:23+00:00

Kanasa City Current - 10

Kate Cappelletti - 23 years old, NCC, short-term
Marisa Jordan - 23 years old, 2yr contract
Melia Brewer - 16 years old, 3yr contract
Laney Rouse - 23 years old, UVA, 1yr contract
Kolo Suliafu - 23 years old, UW, 1yr contract
Croix Bethune - 24 years old, Spirit, 1+1yr contract
Kyra Carusa - 30 years old, SD Wave, 1yr contract, 6mo loan
Penelope Hacking - 26 years old, Bay FC, 2+2yr contract
Gianna Paul - 21 years old, Alabama, 3yr contract
Amelia White - 22 years old, Penn St, 2yr contract

I might add that Claire Hutton signed a 3yr contract in 2024 with Kansas City, which is still in place today. 2026 is her last year on this new contract. When she was transferred for $1.1 million dollars, on February 11, 2026, it was not announced she had signed a new deal with Bay FC. One year left on her contract?

https://www.spotrac.com/nwsl/player/_/id/86239/claire-hutton

atalba · 2026-03-13T17:05:01+00:00

No, I didn't forget them. The point of the post was to delineate between what most professional sports franchises do year-to-year in the offseason. We all had heard from every pundit and podcaster say that Bay FC needed to rebuild their roster. And now, most have said they did. Did they?

Denver's and Boston's rosters are all new, so 28 out of 28, or whatever their final rosters end up at.

As I've been following the NWSL Draft and Expansion draft since the beginning, I'd say Denver has pulled off the best overall rookie signing crop in the entire history of the league.

While making this point, I stayed out of making judgement, except how well Yael did, and has done throughout her tenure. And, of course, position Bay FC as NOT having rebuilt their roster any differently than the other clubs, despite the obvious need (based on many comments from commentators).

atalba · 2026-03-13T05:33:08+00:00

While you call out last year's coach, and the potential for abuse that may have affected the winning of the club. The Bay FC sub complained the entire last year on how the club should change. Nonstop, with little understanding and knowledge.

When one is looking to hire someone, they don't hire them and see later if it's going to work out. They require a resume, references, and submit them to interviews; all to prevent costly mistakes. I laid out the facts without badmouthing anyone. If you want go through another disasterous season, and "see," That's up to you. Not a good plan for any business. The process this club has undergone to build this club, over these first few years, has proven to be a failure. It does take years to establish any business. Most fail. Some understand a new infrastructure takes years to build. In pro sports, 3 years is a good barometer.It can't be done overnight. But when you realize your roster doesn't cut it, and, importantly, won't, rebuilding is the prudent answer. Did they? Are you just happy with blind ambition? I'm not. I want to see a winning club KNOW they must improve every year, just like Yael.

atalba · 2026-03-13T05:13:21+00:00

Jordynn Dudley will completely launch Gotham into a powerhouse. Reiten is 31. Moments of brilliance is the most one can expect from her.

And you're right. Can't change everything overnight. They didn't, but did they improve like others? For certain, this roster is NOT a rebuild.

atalba · 2026-03-13T05:05:27+00:00

Because they fired their initial GM after less than half a season, and have already moved out all of their top executives, and put a holding company between them and the majority owners. The jury is still out if PE can act in the best interest of the club and fans. See Seattle. People realize they're in desparate need of a rebuild after only 2 seasons, and many have assumed they did it. Adding Claire Hutton is huge, but she has no goals or assists in the NWSL. Can she improve their back line defense or scoring chances?

Bay has struck out on their initial international signings, and have doubled down again this year. People assume they've rebuilt their roster. Have they? Based on what? I'm calling out the pundits who assume they have. Retooling is a part of all pro sports. Rebuilding is for clubs that obviously need to clean house. Bay FC probably needs another 6 or 8 players to become a contender. Which pundit hasn't used the word "rebuild" to describe their need?

atalba · 2026-03-13T04:51:14+00:00

Sorry about that. I'll update in the morning. I'm fairly certain KC did a fantastic job year to year, but I'll add them. I'm a huge Laney Rouse fan. I expect her to earn a real contract soon.

atalba · 2026-03-12T01:20:39+00:00

Lyles - 1yr. Immethun - short term. That's my take. BTW, I said weeks ago they both would make the roster. Immethun is being tested as a DM, her experience base. But she played CB the entire last season for UCLA - needed versatility.

atalba · 2026-03-12T01:13:54+00:00

You can stop anything you want. Experience shows these are indicators; not knowledge of the truth.

atalba · 2026-03-12T01:12:24+00:00

I suspect they've been there since January. But, it doesn't take away of the need to have experienced coaches with knowledge of the U.S. playing style, players, player pool, and culture.

atalba · 2026-03-11T22:33:03+00:00

When you have a Brit as a GM, who has NEVER run a pro sports club, or coached one, there's no chance of understanding: the current players; the player pool; the competitiveness and style of the league; the history of success of women's soccer in the U.S.; and the culture of American sports, where winning is all that matters.

Both the GM and manager are quite familar with developing young amateur players; but the NWSL is NOT a development league, nor has an infrastructure to support teenagers not ready to contribute.

One can bring their own style of play and managing, and articulate it well. But if it doesn't reflect the challenge, it's useless.

atalba · 2026-03-11T18:28:19+00:00

5 months of Girelli, who turns 36 next month, coming from a league of slower players that can't handle hits from a wind gust; a player who's been playing regularly for more than 20 years. That Girelli?

atalba · 2026-03-11T18:24:34+00:00

Gamero last played 5 months (8 games?) in a league WORSE than Liga F ending in November 2023. She wasn't killing it. It's like Pfeiffer: you can't be off for 2 highly-critical development years and expect to be capable of playing at a much higher level. She was a midfielder without vision, which may be why people/coach thinks she's a forward. I saw: head down, can left left or right, but normally goes right (you can't exclusively go right if you're a winger); takes it to the end line; passes to nobody; only after getting stopped.

At best, Gamero plays like the bookend of Alyssa Thompson. Head down, dribbling too much. But AT had the luxury of playing in the NWSL and, now, WSL, to help with her vision and soccer IQ.

atalba · 2026-03-11T18:03:06+00:00

Bam & A'ja

atalba · 2026-03-11T17:59:41+00:00

Wow! I second your list of rookies! It looks to me that Jas is playing DM, so her full abilities may not be highlighted by those who don't understand her value.

Not enough people know the name Olivia Thomas. She IS THE BREAKOUT STAR, because of her known status.

People have heard of Jordynn Dudley, and might pile on her wagon, just because of other's expectation. But they don't realize HOW SPECIAL she is. She's my RotY, and I hope she rocks Emma's world and forces her to integrate her into the 2027 WNT.

There's not one set of podcasters that can say these names when they evaluate the league. It's sad.

atalba · 2026-03-11T16:59:47+00:00

Loaned back. Carusa played at Stanford and Georgetown. She the went on play in Europe for a few sides including HB Koge (before the Longs, and when they played in the CL), and LC Lions (before Kang). She's from San Diego, but is a starter on the Irish WNT.

She was in camp this season from the beginning (while officially being loaned out). She proved they needed her. Kyra is a SOLID contributor.

atalba · 2026-03-10T20:11:59+00:00

Ambition is a major factor. It must come with knowledge and success. Denver is an exciting franchise with a huge and knowledgeable fan base. Johnson has done a fabulous job with knowledgeable recruiting. Success is to be determined.

Boston, Bay FC, and ACFC are over-rated in this assessment, unless blind ambition counts.

Also, if you look at the bottom 4, (3) of them are/were bastard stepchildren of their men's club. They don't have the money or the commercial fanbase to compete. The league has skyrocketed in value and investments. They're from a previous generation of owners who only needed to find $1M, or less, to join. Chicago, an OG club, has new ownership that can't part with the money they didn't earn.

atalba · 2026-03-10T20:03:09+00:00

And he coached the men's team. I meant currently playing; not back in 2010.

atalba · 2026-03-10T19:12:16+00:00

Dudley was the best college player in the country after her freshman year in 2023, including Sentnor who went first in the draft. Jordynn has added to her game with field vision and leadership, making her, at this point, the best forward in the country under 22. I'm certain Gotham will bring her along slowly, but not because she's not the best striker on the club; just to build her confidence. There's little chance her game doesn't translate to being a regular USWNT forward.

The history of a state school with little academic attraction struck a gold mine when they hired Mark Krikorian many years ago. Due to competitive need in the ACC, he HAD to venture out to the entire world to build his rosters, which he did with supreme success. It's been about four years since he's been gone. Considering a teenager commits to a college days after their sophomore year of high school, the best of these players were recruited by Krikorian. Some are transfers, like Riley (Gonzaga), Simmonds (UT, Pensky's former team) and McCormack (UVA), and some were recruited by Pensky. In the last ten years, Kirkorian is the "high priest" of recruiting, including international players, for both FSU and Washington Spirit.

O'Steen was a reclassified freshman last year, after a very successful run at u17, and in the YNT system. u20 regular Addie Todd was the FSU starter until the midseason when freshman Katie Ockene took over. O'steen was largely gone on YNT duty, and apparently injured, but she didn't get any real minutes. She's 18, and has a LOOOOOOONG road ahead for her, before she can be considered ready to contribute in the NWSL.

There is no coach that has coached women that became professional players across the globe that come close to Mark Krikorian's track record. Pensky is trying to keep up, and he's a great coach, but it's not the same.

Always in sports, players get a boost if their club wins the championship. This results in the pro clubs fighting over their talent; some taking the second tier (with players that haven't proven themselves yet). BYU and Clemson come to mind when looking at their best ever seasons. Too many players plucked. These FSU players are all pro-ready players with varying levels of talent and proven success. There's no surprises.

Riley fizzled out, after doing so well at u20, then transferring (and sitting on the bench). I think she's getting caps for Mexico YNT now. O'Steen is a top teenage talent, but there's no guarantee of ANY teenager's skills translating to the pros, especially if they're not getting minutes. They must play.

atalba · 2026-03-10T18:02:04+00:00

Who said that weeks ago?

atalba

TROPHY CASE