Dahlkemper, Dydasco reunited at Bay FC

Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco were inseparable at UCLA. They had the same interests and pushed each other to be their best versions. Just being around each other brought them joy.

“We enjoyed each other's company so much that we didn't even need to talk,” Dahlkemper told The Sporting Tribune. “We were so comfortable around each other. We liked the same things. We wanted to do the same things. We were both striving to be the best versions of ourselves, on and off the field.”

Their camaraderie translated to on-the-field success. The duo was part of the Bruins’ 2013 National Championship team, and in 2014, they led a UCLA defense that allowed only six goals and amassed 19 shutouts.

However, Dahlkemper and Dydasco went their separate ways after being drafted by different NWSL teams. Dahlkemper began with the Western New York Flash, and Dydasco joined the Washington Spirit. Both played for multiple teams throughout their careers but never joined forces professionally. 

That changed in Aug. when the San Diego Wave traded Dahlkemper to Bay FC, reuniting the former Bruin duo. 

Dahlkemper requested the move that brought her closer to home; she grew up in Menlo Park, California. Joining Bay also meant she would play with Dydasco again. Dydasco signed with the team before the season and became a key part of their backline by appearing in almost all of their matches.

“I don't even say Caprice anymore; it's just sis,” Dahlkemper said. "She is truly a part of my family and truly like a sister to me. We grew up playing together since we were 12 and have just been best friends since. It was exciting for me and a dream come true to be able to play with my best friend.”

Once Dahlkemper arrived in the Bay Area, her impact could not have come any quicker. 

Seven minutes into her regular season debut with her new team, she headed a shot into the back of the net. It was Dahlkemper’s fifth career NWSL goal. Scoring as a defender is usually special, but this goal meant even more. 

“I couldn't believe it, but that was kind of my homecoming, written in the stars, destiny, it was meant to happen,” Dahlkemper said.” I believe that was the universe making that happen.”

Dahlkemper scoring goals (probably) will not be a regular sight for Bay fans, but her impact could be felt in her usual role. Bay gave up 24 goals in their first 12 games but have improved defensively, allowing seven goals in the past eight matches. 

Bay still has work to do, but adding Dahlkemper could bolster their backline.

“You can see the evolution of this team," Dahlkemper said. "Defensively, just being a little more disciplined, and the attack needs no introduction, just how dangerous the frontline can be. It’s all coming together, and it's just incredible.”

Plus, Dahlkemper and Dydasco almost immediately re-established their chemistry. They knew it would come back, but they clicked quickly. 

“It all comes down to trusting, having each other's back, and having confidence in each other,” Dydasco said. “It is just like a friendship, like a little tandem. You are always tied in the back line. If we can get the other two on the other side tied in, it would be an unstoppable back four.”

That trust is vital in coach Albertin Montoya’s dream system. He wants to develop a play style similar to FC Barcelona Femeni's. Barcelona builds with possession, is patient, and builds up through short passes. 

Montoya has committed to building that style by telling his players to be composed and allowing them to make mistakes. In some situations, he wants Bay’s players to play out of pressure instead of clearing the ball or playing a direct ball. 

“I believe [Dahlkemper] is one of the best center backs in the [NWSL],” Montoya told reporters in Aug. “She brings this calmness and understanding of our style of football. But she also has the athleticism. She has a little bit of everything. Her leadership and who she is as a person is going to help this franchise for many years.” 

Dahlkemper estimates that Montoya has coached her since she was 11 or 12 years old. She played for Mountain View Los Alots (MVLA) Soccer while Montoya was on their staff.

“He gives you confidence that you can do it," Dahlkemper said. "The belief, you can feel that through him, he gives that to you, and ultimately, you believe in yourself. 

He helped me grow up and grow into not only a player but also a person. He's one of the best humans I know and literally the best coach I've ever had. I trust him 110%.” 

Ultimately, not much has changed for Dahlkemper and Dydasco many years after they were together at UCLA. They are still standouts on the field, and their bond is unbreakable. 

“It was funny because Abby was staying with me this past week, and we were going to training together and then getting lunch together and having coffee,” Dydasco said. “It was like, all these days, and nothing has changed. 

Now that she has a husband, I have a fiance, and we both have dogs, we added two more humans and three dogs, but it's like nothing has changed. So much fun.”

Through their camaraderie, Dahlkemper and Dydasco will anchor the first-year Bay team looking to make the playoffs.