Minnesota Aurora Downs the Chicago Dutch Lions 6-0

EAGAN, Minn. – Minnesota beat the heat and the Chicago Dutch Lions, winning 6-0 in front of 6,037 fans at TCO Stadium.

Giada Zhou helped generate Minnesota Aurora’s first goal in the 16th minute. Zhou played the ball into the 18-yard box and found Sophie French. French hit the crossbar – causing a scramble – but it was Mariah Nguyen who buried the rebound for 1-0.

Sofia Bush was impressive in her first start for Aurora. In the 23rd minute, Bush stayed composed in the midfield and split the Dutch Lions’ defense. The quick series of passes found the feet of French who scored for 2-0.  

Katie Duong opened up the second half scoring with a rocketing set piece from 30 yards out. Duong assisted on every goal for the rest of the match. She has 10 points this season, which is tied for third overall on the team.

“Assist-wise, Addy, Morgan, Sophie made it easy on me. You can always count on them in the box off of corners,” said Duong.

“This team is so deep, and we have many different options with people rotating in. It’s been fun to develop that chemistry and find a rhythm these past couple of games.”

 Her 55th minute goal was named Play of the Game, and her efforts earned her Star of the Game.

After her first Aurora point earlier in the match, Bush scored her first goal in teal in the 57th minute. Duong threaded a pass through Chicago’s defense to give Bush space for a shot.

In the 63rd minute, co-captain Addy Weichers scored a clinical header off a corner from Duong.

Morgan Stone scored from a Duong corner to close out the match 6-0.

“We’re taking it game by game,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery. “We’re finding ways within each game to build the mentality we want to see in the playoffs, but that’s not the focus right now. We’re focused on Bavarian on Thursday night.”

Minnesota Aurora’s next game is June 20 versus the Bavarian United SC at TCO Stadium. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches will be streamed by Fox 9+.