By Mauricio Segura July 1, 2025
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Bay FC has made its intentions clear with a flurry of mid-season moves that signal stability over splash. Just ahead of the NWSL free agency period, the club has signed five key players to new contracts, aiming to solidify its foundation for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond. It's a clear commitment to building from within, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Among the re-signed players is goalkeeper Emmie Allen, whose growth this season has not gone unnoticed. Joining her are defenders Joelle Anderson and Maddie Moreau, who both signed extensions through 2027. Anderson, in particular, has been a foundational piece since Bay FC's 2024 debut, contributing a goal and two assists this season while anchoring the defense with consistency and leadership.
The midfield gets a boost too, as Jamie Shepherd secured a two-year deal. Her ability to link play and provide structure in the middle of the field has made her a key part of Coach Albertin Montoya’s game plan. Rounding out the group is forward Catherine Paulson, who extended her contract through the end of 2025. Paulson has worked her way into the rotation through pure hustle and reliability, earning trust and a new opportunity to make an impact.
These are not just personnel moves. They are building blocks. Bay FC has hovered near the bottom of the standings with 15 points, sitting in 10th place at the mid-season mark. With playoff hopes still alive, the club is choosing continuity and chemistry over quick fixes.
Coach Montoya made it clear that these players are part of the club's identity and long-term vision. He praised their professionalism, growth, and character, highlighting their commitment to the team and to the Bay Area. That sentiment seems to define this chapter in Bay FC’s short but rapidly developing story.
The NWSL is no stranger to mid-season shakeups. Player trades, injuries, and international duty can scramble rosters. But Bay FC’s decision to double down on its own talent bucks the trend. Instead of headline-grabbing signings or last-minute swaps, they’re investing in relationships that have already begun to yield results. It's a move that prioritizes chemistry and internal culture, something that newer franchises often struggle to find and keep.
Fans, too, benefit from this kind of clarity. Supporters get to keep cheering for familiar faces. Anderson and Moreau have already become crowd favorites, and Allen’s progress in goal is something to watch as the second half unfolds. Shepherd’s tactical steadiness and Paulson’s gritty work ethic offer storylines that go beyond stats. These are players who know the system, the city, and each other.
This strategy also puts Bay FC in a strong position heading into free agency. By locking in their core, the front office can now be more selective with any additional signings. Instead of chasing fixes, they can pursue fits. That’s a subtle but important difference. It means future moves can complement rather than overhaul what’s already in place.
The timing couldn’t be more calculated. The June break has ended, the schedule tightens from here, and the stakes rise with every match. With its foundation set, Bay FC can now focus fully on performance. Whether it leads to a playoff surge or simply a stronger finish, the groundwork has been laid.
More than anything, these signings reflect a belief in the long game. Bay FC is still building its identity, but it is doing so with care. These aren’t short-term stopgaps. They’re players with potential to grow alongside the club. That vision matters not only for the rest of 2025 but well into the seasons ahead.
For a franchise still carving out its place in the league, this is the kind of investment that speaks louder than flashy headlines. It says: we trust the people we have. We’re building something here. And we’re not done yet.
