SANDY, Utah >> Bay FC players said all the right things about staying upbeat and confident despite an active investigation into coach Albertin Montoya leading up to their season opener on Saturday.

Turns out, they were right.

Bay FC played the Utah Royals to a 1-1 tie on a chilly evening at America First Credit Union Field in Sandy, Utah. There was no questioning Bay FC’s effort, and there certainly did not appear to be any clouds lingering over the franchise after news broke last week that Montoya was being investigated for having a “toxic culture” within the franchise.

Bay FC tied the score on a rocket by Kiki Pickett in the 43rd minute. The shot was a follow-up effort from distance following a free kick by Taylor Huff. Pickett unleashed a screamer from about 25 yards out that got past Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, who had little chance of making the save.

Bay FC owned the midfield and controlled the action. Bay FC nearly took the lead in the first couple of minutes when Huff had a fantastic chance from around 10 yards out but was stymied by a great save by McGlynn.

The early missed opportunities quickly came back to bite Bay. Utah’s Bianca St. Georges, making her team debut, slipped past Bay FC’s backline and scored in the 12th minute to give the Royals an early 1-0 lead. St. Georges’s score came off of a pass from McGlynn, and it was a perfect, low finish.

St. Georges’s score completely flipped the game after Bay FC started quickly. The Royals had Bay FC’s players on their heels for much of the first half until Pickett leveled the game.

It was the NWSL season opener for the two second-year expansion rivals. Utah won both matchups between the two teams last season.

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