San Jose – Albertin Montoya, Bay FC head coach grew up as a passionate fan of FC Barcelona, one of the top soccer clubs in the world, ever since he was 10 years old.
Tonight, he had the opportunity to manage against Barcelona’s women’s side. Despite Bay FC’s 5-2 loss, the experience will be a lasting memory for Montoya and the rest of the club.
“They’re the best team in the world,” Montoya said. “Their style of football is something I’ve always said we want to emulate, but it takes years. We were just honored to share the field with them.”
This is Bay FC’s second international contest against a major, world-renowned club. Last month, they hosted Mexican side Club América in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup at PayPal Park.
Former Barcelona attacker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring for Bay FC in the 17th minute, intercepting a pass from Barca goalkeeper Gemma Font near the top of the box and firing it into the net at the left post.
Barca tied the game four minutes later with a goal from Kika Nazareth. Bay FC responded in the 32nd minute with a goal from Racheal Kundananji, who scored off an initial save by Gemma on a shot by Tess Boade.
Barcelona leveled the score again just minutes later, with Graham Hansen finding the net in the 35th minute. Barcelona secured the match-winning goal in the second half as Mapi León curled a shot into the back of the net off a Barca corner, adding two more goals in stoppage time for the final scoreline.
Despite the result, Tuesday night’s match was more than just the score. On the pitch, Montoya observed aspects of Barcelona’s play that he’d like to instill in his players.
“One of the things we’ll discuss in the coming days is Barcelona’s style of football,” said Montoya. “They’re patient, not rushing things. Sometimes it seems like they’re not going anywhere, but they’re moving the defense with just touch after touch. We’re trying to play that one, two-touch rhythm ourselves.
It’s a bit foreign in this country because we have so many great athletes who always want to go forward. (Barcelona) has great physical qualities, but they’re just patient.”
Off the pitch, it was a memorable homecoming for newly-acquired defender Abby Dahlkemper, who the club obtained from San Diego Wave on Monday in exchange for $50,000 in Allocation Money. Dahlkemper is a native of Menlo Park, CA.
“It’s very rare to be able to be a professional athlete and play in your hometown,” Dahlkemper said after her debut match. “I grew up 20 minutes away, and I just can’t express my gratitude and happiness enough. I’m so thankful to be here.”
Dahlkemper started the match and played the first half before being subbed out for fellow defender Jen Beattie at the start of the second half.
“She’s one of the best center-backs in the league,” Montoya explained. “She brings a calmness and understanding of our style of football. She is going to help this franchise for many years to come.”
The night was also special for backup goalkeeper Emmie Allen, who entered the match in the second half.
“It was pretty surreal,” said Allen. “Last year at this time I was in college, and above my headboard I had a Barcelona logo because that’s where I wanted to play. So it’s kind of surreal that just a year later, I’m playing against them.”
