New Bay FC head coach Emma Coates and the technical staff have retooled the team’s roster for their 2026 campaign after a disappointing sophomore season for the club.
“We’re so excited that the team are ready and raring to go, and we just can’t wait to get out in front of our home fans now,” noted Coates in a pre-season press conference before the team’s season opener at PayPal Park on Saturday, March 14, against expansion side Denver Summit FC.
Here is a look at the players coming to the Bay for the club’s third season in the NWSL by position.
Forwards
Cristiana Girelli – During their first two years, Bay FC has struggled to find a striker who could consistently put the ball into the back of the net. The loan for Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli should hopefully address the issue.
“She’s an intelligent and proven goal scorer who brings a wealth of experience and leadership,” explained Coates.
Girelli has scored 250 goals in over 400 professional appearances and 61 goals for the Italian national team. “The NWSL is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and I’ve always wanted to test myself in that environment,” Girelli said during her announced signing with Bay FC.
Her loan deal is currently only until August 2026.
Keira Barry – A product of the Manchester United youth system, Barry has played for three years professionally in England’s Women’s Super League on loan for Derby County, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland. The twenty-year-old will look to fight for a starting spot, most likely as a winger, in the attack.
“We want to be a team that attacks variety, pace, and purpose, and Keira is a ‘front-foot’ player who will give us exactly that,” said Coates. She could play across from Racheal Kundananji, giving Bay FC a lethal three-pronged attack.
Alex Pfeiffer – Another young striker with potential, Pfeiffer, 18, comes to Bay FC from the Kansas City Current. She is the team’s youngest goalscorer at 16. Her rookie season was cut short by a knee injury in 2024. Last year, she returned to KC and appeared seven times for the team.
“She’s an exciting young player who plays with real confidence,” noted Coates.
Onyeka Gamero – Although technically not a new player, Gamero never played for Bay FC last season while recovering from a knee injury after being acquired mid-season. After impressing on the U-17 and U-20 USWNT teams, Gamero signed with Barcelona’s B side in 2023 and scored two goals and recorded an assist before tearing her ACL.
Bay FC acquired Gamero last season while rehabbing from her injury. She is expected to feature for the team this year.
Midfielder
Claire Hutton – A 2025 NWSL Best XI First Team selection, the 20-year-old Hutton was acquired from the Kansas City Current for a $1.1 million transfer fee and should be a significant upgrade in the midfield.
“She’s a top-quality player who is tight on the ball, and she has the mobility and physical presence to break up play,” said Head Coach Emma Coates. “Despite her age, she brings experience and a strong mentality, and we believe she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Hutton finished in the top 10 league-wide in duels won (153) and successful tackles (49), and in winning possession.
“Bay FC is a club with real ambition, and that is a big part of why this move feels right for me,” said Hutton.
Defenders
Anouk Denton – Able to play either wide back defensive positions, Denton joined Bay FC on transfer from West Ham United. She logged over 1000 minutes during the 23-24 and 24-25 campaigns. She has also featured for the England national team.
“She brings valuable experience at the top level from her time in the WSL, and what’s exciting is that there’s still room for her to grow,” said Coates.
Aldana Cometti – Acquired via transfer with French club FC Fleury, Cometti is an Argentine international with a long professional career. The centerback defender started playing for River Plate and Boca Juniors in Argentina before moving to Europe, playing in Spain and France.
“She is a commanding defender who brings a wealth of experience on the world stage,” explained Coates.
Heather Gilchrist – A two-time NCAA national champion at Florida State, the centerback rookie will come in attempting to earn a starting spot in the defensive line.
“She is a composed and competitive defender,” said Coates. “She fits exactly what we’re building at Bay FC, and we’re excited about the impact she’ll have.”
Gilchrist suffered a knee injury in the preseason and starts the season on the 45-Day Injury List.
Goalkeeper
Camryn Miller – A non-roster invitee to training camp, the Virginia Cavalier and Cincinnati Bearcat goalie will most likely start the season as the third-choice goalkeeper for the club.
“Having strong depth across the roster is essential over the course of a long NWSL season, and Camryn has demonstrated that she’s ready to push herself and contribute within our goalkeeping unit,” said Coates.
