Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Venue: PayPal Park — San Jose, California
Broadcast: NWSL+, CBS Sports Golazo, Local Affiliates
Venue Profile — PayPal Park
- Location: San Jose, CA
- Capacity: 18,000
- Surface: Natural grass
- Dimensions: 115 x 75 yards
- Atmosphere: One of the league’s most modern, fan‑friendly stadiums with a loud supporters’ section
- Home Advantage: Bay FC is 2‑1‑1 at home this season
The wide pitch and fast surface favor teams that attack through the wings and rely on quick combination play.
Weather Outlook (San Jose, CA)
- Temperature: 72°F at kickoff → 64°F by full time
- Humidity: 45–50%
- Wind: 6–10 mph from the northwest
- Rain Chance: <5%
- Impact:
- Ideal conditions for high‑tempo play
- Light wind may slightly affect long diagonals
- Cooler evening temps favor teams with strong pressing structure
Injury Report
Bay FC
- Asisat Oshoala — Probable (ankle) Expected to start; Bay’s most dangerous attacker.
- Jen Beattie — Out (calf) Veteran leadership missing in central defense.
- Dorian Bailey — Questionable (hamstring) Game‑time decision; affects midfield rotation.
- Kiki Pickett — Probable (shoulder) Expected to start at fullback.
Chicago Stars
- Mallory Swanson — Out (knee) Massive loss; Chicago’s attack suffers without her.
- Casey Krueger — Probable (ankle) Expected to start; key defensive presence.
- Alyssa Naeher — Probable (rest) Should start in goal.
- Jill Aguilera — Questionable (groin) Could limit Chicago’s forward depth.
Team Records
- Bay FC: 3‑4‑2 (11 points) — 9th in NWSL
- Chicago Stars: 2‑8‑0 (6 points) — 13th in NWSL
Recent Form
Bay FC
- Last 5: W‑L‑D‑L‑W
- Goals For: 7
- Goals Against: 6
- Strengths: Wide attacking play, strong home form, improved defensive shape
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent finishing, occasional midfield turnovers
Chicago Stars
- Last 5: L‑L‑W‑L‑L
- Goals For: 4
- Goals Against: 11
- Strengths: Set‑piece threat, strong goalkeeping, disciplined low block
- Weaknesses: Lack of attacking creativity, poor road form, defensive lapses
Series History
- All‑time meetings: Bay FC leads 2‑0‑0
- At San Jose: Bay FC leads 1‑0‑0
- Last meeting (2025): Bay FC won 3–1 in Chicago
- Chicago has never beaten Bay FC
Bay FC’s pace and width have historically overwhelmed Chicago’s defensive structure.
Key Player Matchups
Asisat Oshoala (BAY) vs. Casey Krueger (CHI)
- Oshoala’s pace and finishing are elite
- Krueger must avoid isolation in space
- If Oshoala wins this duel, Bay FC will generate multiple high‑danger chances
Deyna Castellanos (BAY) vs. Julia Bianchi (CHI)
- Castellanos is Bay’s creative engine
- Bianchi’s ball‑winning and positioning are crucial
- A pivotal midfield battle for tempo control
Alyssa Naeher (CHI) vs. Bay FC Attack
- Naeher remains one of the league’s best shot‑stoppers
- Chicago will rely heavily on her to keep the match close
- Bay FC averages 5.8 shots on target at home
Alyssa Thompson (BAY) vs. Arin Wright (CHI)
- Thompson’s dribbling and acceleration are matchup nightmares
- Wright must stay compact and avoid being pulled out of position
Betting Trends
Bay FC
- 3‑1‑1 ATS in last 5 home matches
- Over has hit in 4 of last 6
- Bay FC has scored first in 5 of last 7
- Strong home form: 2‑1‑1 this season
Chicago Stars
- 1‑4 ATS in last 5
- Under has hit in 5 of last 7
- Chicago has conceded first in 7 of last 8
- Road record: 0‑4‑0 this season
Head‑to‑Head Trends
- Bay FC unbeaten in all meetings
- Over 2.5 goals in both prior matchups
- Bay FC has outscored Chicago 5–1 historically
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Stars + 350
Bay FC + 145
Draw + 260
Over 2.5 – 110 Under 2.5 – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 23, 2026
