Minnesota Aurora FC Clinches Third-Straight Playoff Berth

Minnesota Aurora (9-0-2) clinched their playoff spot with a 7-0 win over Bavarian United SC. They are the third Central Conference team to secure their postseason bid.

Conference Semifinals and Finals will take place July 5-7. Seeding and host sites are to be determined. 

On her team’s playoff-clinching win, Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery said, “Credit to the people who have been here previously, we’re continuing this winning tradition. It’s a privilege to do that. We’re excited for the future but taking it one game at a time.”

In the 27th minute, Aurora’s signature high press pounced on a Bavarian turnover, and Saige Wimes netted the first goal of the match.

Three minutes later, Mariah Nguyen was on the hunt for Aurora’s second goal but was tripped up in the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick. Katie Duong stepped up to the spot and converted for 2-0. 

Duong has now scored a goal in six consecutive matches for Minnesota Aurora. 

To close out the first half, defender Kelis Barton built the attack from the back, connecting with Wimes on the right flank. Wimes crossed the ball into Nguyen for Aurora’s third goal. 

Wimes bagged her second goal of the night in the 52nd minute when Addy Weichers lobbed a long pass over the top of Bavarian’s defense. Wimes ran it down and stayed composed to slip her shot past Bavarian’s goalkeeper. 

Sophie French made her mark just minutes after substituting in. In another high press, Bavarian turned over the ball, and French hit a long-distance shot to put her team up 5-0 in the 56th minute. 

Duong has continued to be a corner kick maestro for Minnesota Aurora, and she worked her magic in the 72nd minute by finding French’s head for 6-0. 

Giada Zhou closed out the scoring late in the second half with a rocketing strike from distance, ending the match 7-0. 

Minnesota Aurora’s last regular season game is June 29 versus RKC Third Coast on the road. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com.