Minnesota Aurora Downs RKC Third Coast 8-1 to Chase Heartland Division Title

RACINE, Wis. – Despite an early deficit, Minnesota responded with eight goals to defeat RKC Third Coast, remaining unblemished (9-0-0) in its first of three-straight road matches.

RKC Third Coast opened the scoring in the 27th minute when a forward broke through Aurora’s defense on a counterattack. Minnesota goalkeeper Amanda Poorbaugh was caught on her line, and Third Coast went up 0-1. 

Two minutes later, Minnesota Aurora responded with a tying goal off a corner kick. Hannah Adler served the ball into the box and connected with Sophie French to level the score 1-1. 

“Overall, I’m really happy with how our 18 players played,” said Head Coach Nicole Lukic. “We obviously don’t want to give up a goal early, but it did provide us with an opportunity to respond which is good practice in case that happens to us later in the season.”

Center back Kelsey Kaufusi switched the point of attack to Jelena Zbiljic who flicked the ball to Maya Hansen at the top of the 18-yard box. Hansen dribbled through a defender and scored to give Aurora the 2-1 lead in the 36th minute. 

Minnesota Aurora scored its third goal of the night in the 51st minute. Makenzie Langdok attempted to cross the ball into the mix, but it deflected off a RKC Third Coast defender for 3-1. 

Hannah Adler scored two powerful strikes from distance to earn Star Tribune Star of the Game. Adler leads Aurora with 10 goals this season.

After having a goal called back for offside earlier in the second half, Ari Del Moral got on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute, her second of the season.

In the 78th minute, Addy Weichers scored her first goal of the 2023 season off a rocketing shot from distance for a 6-1 scoreline. 

Captain Makenzie Langdok closed out the scoring 8-1 with her second goal of the night in the 90th minute. 

Minnesota Aurora will continue on the road for their next two games against Bavarian United SC (June 24) and Green Bay Glory (June 29). Aurora will return home one last time during the regular season on July 1st at 4 p.m. CT as they host Chicago City SC. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches are aired on Fox 9+.