Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya will resign his position at the end of the season, the second-year National Women’s Soccer League club announced on Monday.
Under Montoya’s leadership, Bay FC made the NWSL playoffs in its inaugural season, losing a heartbreaker to eventual league runner-up Washington. But Bay FC took a step back this season and is currently 12th among 14 teams in the NWSL standings with seven games left. The club’s loss Saturday to Kansas City was its fourth straight, and it hasn’t won any of its last eight league matches dating back to June.
“I have so much love for these players, staff, and fans,” Montoya said in a statement released by the team. “We’ve built a culture and a style of play that I believe will compete for championships for years to come. I want to thank everyone at the Bay FC organization for their support. I look forward to finishing this season strong and for this club continuing to accomplish great things.”
Montoya was also investigated by the NWSL this season for an alleged “toxic” work environment. He was ultimately cleared by the league but received executive coaching to help address communication issues, and Bay FC made organizational changes in an attempt to rectify some of the past shortcomings.
Kay Cossington of Bay Collective, an ownership group seeking to invest in women’s soccer clubs across leagues, will lead the search for Bay FC’s next coach alongside current Bay FC sporting director Matt Potter. A release from the team said Cossington “will be leading the sporting efforts of the club going forward, including the selection of the club’s next head coach.”
“I want to thank Albertin for his leadership and dedication in helping launch this club and establish its foundation during our startup phase,” Bay FC chairman Alan Waxman said in the release. “On behalf of everyone across the organization, we want to express an immense amount of gratitude to Albertin for his contributions.
“Kay has a vision that we are fully invested behind. Bay FC’s startup phase is ending and we’re moving to our next phase of growth. We are only getting started and excited for what’s next.”
Cossington joined Bay Collective in January and has worked with Potter since then in her capacity as Sixth Street’s head of global women’s football and the CEO of Bay Collective.
“Right out of the gate, Bay FC has shown it belongs on the biggest stage,” Cossington said. “Thanks to Albertin and the sporting staff’s efforts, Bay FC has established a strong foundation on the pitch, and I’m excited to help elevate the club further and put Bay FC in the best position to compete at the highest level for years to come.”
Montoya led Bay FC to 11 wins in his first season, setting an NWSL record for victories by an expansion team. Bay FC finished that year 11-14-1 and has a record of 4-10-5 this season. Their 17 points on the season are nine behind Racing Louisville, which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot.
Montoya did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Bay Area News Group. He is expected to address media along with players on Tuesday before the team’s training session. Bay FC’s next game is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Orlando Pride.
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