NWSL-Match Recap: Bay FC Tops Houston Dash 2-1 in Coachella Valley Preseason Friendly
- Jonathan Turner
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
INDIO, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2026) – Bay FC continued its 2026 NWSL preseason campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dash in its second of three Coachella Valley Invitational friendlies. Forward Penelope Hocking and midfielder Hannah Bebar each scored for Bay, while newcomer Claire Hutton logged 65 composed minutes in her club debut.
“Today was really positive,” said Bay FC head coach Emma Coates. “Every day we spend together, every week, every opportunity, the players are just getting better. I thought they deserved to win today. The most pleasing part is that they’re doing the things we asked them to.”
First Half: Early Strike Sets the Tone
Bay FC struck early in the eighth minute off a well-executed team sequence. Taylor Huff delivered a corner kick to Alex Pfeiffer at the top of the penalty area. Pfeiffer’s driven shot was saved, but Hocking was perfectly positioned to bury the rebound and give Bay a 1-0 lead.
The midfield trio of Hutton, Bebar, and Huff controlled possession throughout much of the opening half, dictating tempo and creating space in the attacking third. Defensively, Bay limited Houston to minimal chances.
The Dash’s only significant first-half opportunity came in the 39th minute, when a shot from just outside the box forced goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz into a full-extension save. Silkowitz parried the attempt away, preserving Bay’s lead heading into halftime.
Second Half: Bebar Delivers the Winner
After lineup changes from both sides, Houston found an equalizer in the 67th minute on a controversial sequence that went against the run of play.
Bay responded with renewed attacking energy from substitutes Onyeka Gamero and Karlie Lema, who consistently pressured Houston down the flanks. The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Gamero dribbled past three defenders near the endline before cutting the ball back to Bebar at the top of the box. Bebar took a settling touch to her left foot and fired a precise shot inside the near post to seal the 2-1 win.
“It’s a nice finish, wasn’t it?” Coates said of Bebar’s strike. “We’ve been encouraging them to get into the area more, take shots, and be confident. It’s great to see her rewarded.”
Bebar credited Gamero’s playmaking on the goal.
“She’s super crafty on the ball,” Bebar said. “I saw the opportunity for the cutback, and she found me perfectly. I took a prep touch and thought, ‘Why not?’ I’m not usually one to let it rip, but I hit it with my left and it found the corner.”
Hutton Makes Immediate Impact
Hutton’s preseason debut provided a glimpse of her influence in midfield. Paired alongside Bebar, she helped establish rhythm and structure throughout her 65-minute shift.
“I thought she was composed on the ball,” Coates said. “For how little time we’ve had with her, she’s picked up our structures quickly. She and Hannah developed a really nice relationship.”
Bebar echoed that sentiment.
“She’s an insanely good player,” Bebar said. “Her calmness and leadership organize the midfield. She sets the standard and makes everyone around her better.”
Hutton described the experience as an encouraging first step.
“It’s exciting to see what we’re starting to build,” Hutton said. “There’s a clear picture of what’s expected, so it’s easy to plug in and play.”
Looking Ahead
Bay FC will return home to continue preparations for the 2026 NWSL regular season, which kicks off March 14 at PayPal Park against expansion side Denver Summit FC. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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