Kundananji scores first of the season in Bay FC’s NWSL win

Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji was on target as Bay FC secured a 1-0 National Women’s Soccer League victory against San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium.

A fifth-minute goal by – her first of the 2026 season – stood as the winner, while a 17th minute penalty save by goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz keeping the scoreline intact as Bay FC took three points to close a two-match road stretch.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc)

Action got going quickly as San Diego generated an early chance just seconds following the opening kickoff. After an errant pass backward fell into space, speedy Wave FC forward Ludmila nearly ran onto it inside the box, but Silkowitz would win the footrace and clear the ball away.

Kundananji scored with one time finish

Bay FC opened the scoring moments later to take a 1-0 advantage. A recovery by midfielder Claire Hutton got Bay FC going downhill, finding midfielder Taylor Huff in stride.

Huff played through to Kundananji on the run, who put it between the keeper’s legs and over the line with a one-touch finish for her first goal of the 2026 season.

The score was the fastest in club history, with the previous mark coming in 2024 when defender Abby Dahlkemper found the net for Bay FC seven minutes into a late August meeting with Portland Thorns FC.

Bay FC stood tall to see out the match as time ticked down, with defenders Maddie Moreau and Kelli Hubly being introduced into the match to provide a defensive push.

Kundananji missed Zambia Series matches

Kundananji said after the game: “Back to winning ways! First goal of the season and hoping for more as the games come by. We did it.”

Kundananji’s goal will be a good boost for Zambia having missed Copper Queens last matches – FIFA Women’s Series – owing to injury. The Copper Queens were in Brazil where they faced Canada, Brazil and South Korea.

Bay FC will return to PayPal Park for a Mother’s Day matinee Sunday, May 10, welcoming the Utah Royals to the Bay Area.