Bay FC holding watch parties as USWNT kicks off hunt for Olympic gold

( KRON ) — As the United States Women’s National Team kicks off its quest for Olympic gold Thursday, Bay Football Club will be hosting watch parties to cheer them on. The match is set to kick off at noon local time and Bay FC is inviting fans to gather at Santana Row in San Jose or at The Crossing in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood.

There are three members of the Bay FC squad competing in the women’s soccer event at this summer’s games, although none of them are on the U.S. team. Striker Asisat Oshoala, who joined Bay FC from FC Barcelona, will represent Nigeria. Forward Racheal Kundananji will represent Zambia and goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx will play for Canada.

The USWNT is heading into this summer’s games looking to bounce back after falling short in back-to-back tournaments. At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which were delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19, the U.S. won bronze, despite entering as arguable gold medal favorites.

More disappointing was the team’s showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup two years later when the U.S. failed to make it out of the round of 16.

With a new coach in decorated English Women’s Super League veteran Emma Hayes, and a new-look team that’s seen the departure of long-term stalwarts Alex Morgan, Megan Rapino, and Kelley O’Hara, the Paris Olympics represent something of a reboot for the USWNT.

The team is led by veteran Lindsey Horan and features newer faces like midfielder Rose Lavelle and forwards Sophia Smith and Crystal Dunn. Drawn into a competitive Group C that also includes Garmany and Australia, the USWNT will be looking for a good result in Thursday’s opening match against a talented Zambia side that made its Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago.

If you want to cheer the USWNT on in-person Thursday, the Santana Row event begins at 11 a.m. and will be located at 377 Santana Row in San Jose. The event will feature games for kids, crepes from Left Bank and meet and greet opportunities with Bay FC players.

The East Cut event will take place at The Crossing, located at 250 Main Street in San Francisco.

The USWNT will be back in action on Sunday, July 28 against Germany and on Wednesday, July 31 against Australia.

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