Asisat Oshoala stepped up when her team needed her most, scoring a vital penalty that secured Bay FC’s 1-0 win over Seattle Reign at Lumen Field on Sunday.
The Super Falcons star's composed finish not only stunned the Reign, but boosted Bay FC’s playoff chances as the NWSL regular season enters its final stretch.
In a match dominated by the hosts in terms of possession and chances, Oshoala’s coolness from the spot was the game’s defining moment.
After a fast-paced start by Seattle, Bay FC absorbed the pressure until a foul in the box gave Oshoala the chance to break the deadlock.
Her perfectly placed penalty into the bottom left corner left Seattle’s goalkeeper with no chance, delivering the decisive blow for her side.
Oshoala’s impact keeps playoff hopes alive
Oshoala’s sixth goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time. With Bay FC aiming to recover from a shaky run of form, including a draw and a loss, her goal reignited their momentum.
Bay FC’s victory marked their third win in five matches, increasing their points total to 28 and drawing them level with seventh-placed Portland in the race for the playoffs.
The top eight teams in the NWSL will qualify for the postseason, and with only four games remaining, every point counts and will be crucial in their fight.
Their next challenge comes against third-place Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena, a crucial matchup as Bay FC faces a tough final stretch of the regular season.
They will close out the campaign against the last-placed Houston Dash on November 3, but before that, they must contend with three teams currently in the top five, making Oshoala’s goal all the more important.
