Now that the 2024 NWSL season is in the books, Bay FC have some major questions floating around.

The biggest issue will undoubtedly be deciding what’s next for Deyna Castellanos. The Venezuelan international was touted as one of Bay’s biggest acquisitions heading into their inaugural season, alongside Asisat Oshoala and Rachael Kundananji. It took the two strikers some time to find their form, but eventually they started performing at a high level as the season progressed.

Meanwhile, Castellanos’ season went a different direction. After being a regular starter for the first half of the season, as the team inched closer and closer to a playoff position her role diminished. She spent quite a bit of time as a substitute, and as one of Bay FC’s highest paid players, that’s definitely not where they want her to be.

Things will only get more difficult next season, as Alex Loera will re-enter the fray following her season-ending injury early in the season. With a strong battle in the midfield, it’s hard to imagine that Castellanos has a spot on the roster next season unless something drastically changes. With that being said, it’s not because she’s a bad player by any means.

Sometimes a player simply isn’t a fit in a manager’s system, much like we saw with Scarlett Camberos as well. It seems Albertin Montoya’s philosophies don’t currently match what Castellanos brings to the table, so a move would make sense. If a move is on the table, the main question would then become, does she remain in the NWSL with a different organization or does she head back to Europe?

Speaking of Loera, she has a major impact on the second question surrounding the team as well. Kiki Pickett, Tess Boade and Dorian Bailey all had strong seasons in midfield. Boade did a great job creating chances for herself and others, while also being reliable in the defensive third and helping create counter-attacking opportunities.

Bailey was more physical in her play, however she did have moments where she was unable to finish some high-quality chances. She went under the radar for most of the season which I discussed previously, but made a major impact.

Pickett was arguably Bay FC’s biggest breakout player. With Alyssa Malonson getting time with the US Women’s National Team, Pickett has been overshadowed a bit lately but her contributions are undeniable. Despite her small stature, she won a considerable amount of aerial and midfield battles.

All three had solid contributions during Bay FC’s inaugural season. With that being said though, Loera was the organization’s first signing. She was one of the team’s best players early in the season, and it’s difficult to picture her outside of the starting eleven in 2025. Who will come out of the lineup to make room for Loera? That’ll certainly be interesting to watch when the next season gets closer. 

Lastly, we have the goalkeepers. Bay FC recently extended Emmie Allen’s contract, but it’s difficult to see her getting playing time in the near future. Katelyn Rowland was serviceable during the inaugural season, but she’s far from guaranteed a spot in the first team with Melissa Lowder, who was initially projected to be the starter, returning from injury.

Meanwhile, Jordan Silkowitz is an important played to keep an eye on as well. Considering she was the key piece in the Kayla Sharples trade, and was signed to a two-year contract extension in September, it seems Albertin Montoya and management both have big plans for her. 

Overall, Bay FC is going to have a very short period of time to make some decisions that will have a lasting impact moving forward. Ultimately, their goal is to build off of their inaugural season and go farther in the playoffs. Unfortunately, things can just as easily go in the other direction if they’re not careful.