Bay FC breaks NWSL attendance record

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KION) - Bay FC set a new record for attendance at an NWSL game, drawing 40,092 fans to Oracle Park. While the Washington Spirit won 3-2, the sold-out crowd was cheering down to the final whistle.

The record-breaking crowd surpassed the previous mark set by Bay FC and the Chicago Stars last season at Wrigley Field with 35,038 fans in the stands.

"This was so important to us," Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji said. "Having 40,000 plus fans around us, I think we deserved a win because the way we were playing- it's because of the fans."

Kundananji and Kelli Hubly both found the back of the net as Bay FC attempted to mount a comeback. Kundananji scored just before halftime, while Hubly cut the deficit to one goal in the 54th minute. Despite outshooting Washington 12-9, the attempt ultimately fell short.

Head Coach Albertin Montoya said he was proud of his team's resiliency.

"When you get football like that," Montoya said. "I think every single person that watched this game can leave and go, 'Hey, I'd do this again,' because it was entertaining. It was good football, great quality all around."

The sellout also became the highest attended game across all U.S. professional women's leagues.