The Bay Cities Football Club has made history.
On Wednesday, the team defeated the Monterey Bay Football Club 2-1 in the second round of the US Open Cup Tournament at PayPal Park, home of the San Jose Earthquakes, according to a news release.
The boys from the new Division 3 NISA league team, who were considered an underdog in their matchup against Monterey, a Division 2 USL team, stunned everyone when they scored the winning goal almost exactly at the 90-minute mark, according to the news release.
Bay Cities Co-founder Ivan Martinez called the victory a “Hoover to heroes” moment, referencing how the concept of creating a professional community-centric club began at Redwood City’s Hoover Community School soccer field.
Anders Perez, co-founder and president of Bay Cities FC, thanked the Redwood City community.
“Thank you for believing in us,” he said in a statement. “Nobody had us winning this game. We did it the hard way. We did it the Redwood City way.”
Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale congratulated the team on their victory.
“Bay Cities made all of Redwood City proud last night,” she said. “I think about the local kids who watched the match and saw themselves reflected in the players and all that’s possible for their future.”
Watch the winning goal below:
EDSON CARDONA.
— Bay Cities FC (@BayCitiesFC) April 7, 2022
LAST MINUTE.
NUF SAID. pic.twitter.com/hjoYreZesl
Bay Cities will now advance to the third round of the US Open Cup. The third round draw will take place on Friday, April 8, when the team will be paired with its next opponent.
Bay Cities Football Club is the only professional sports organization based in San Mateo County, launching its inaugural season this year. The club’s first ever home game of the season will take place at Sequoia High School Stadium in Redwood City on Saturday against Valley United Football Club.
