Jun 7, 2026
Minnesota Aurora FC Matches Club Record with Sixth Straight Clean Sheet in 1-0 Victory Over RKC Third Coast
EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Aurora FC continued its dominant start to the 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, earning a 1-0 victory over RKC Third Coast at TCO Stadium and extending its clean sheet streak to six consecutive matches.
Backed by another disciplined defensive performance and a second-half strike from Ai Kitagawa, Aurora improved to 6-0-0 on the season and remained atop the USL W standings with 18 points.
In front of an energetic crowd of 5,048 fans, Minnesota once again showcased its depth and defensive consistency while matching a club record for consecutive shutouts.
After a scoreless first half, Aurora controlled possession coming out of the break and eventually found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.
Just moments after entering the match, substitute Gracie Dunaway created the opportunity that changed the game. Carrying the ball down the left flank, Dunaway delivered a short pass toward the top of the box where Kitagawa found space and delivered a bending strike inside the left post for her seventh goal of the season and the eventual game winner.
The assist marked Dunaway’s second of the campaign.
Minnesota rotated heavily following Thursday’s match, making eight changes to the starting lineup and utilizing five substitutions early in the second half. Despite the changes, Aurora maintained its defensive standard throughout the afternoon.
Goalkeeper Isaac Ranson made his first career start for the club and delivered immediately, recording three saves and becoming just the third goalkeeper in Minnesota Aurora history to post a clean sheet in their debut start.
Aurora’s defensive numbers continue to stand among the league’s best.
The club has now posted six consecutive shutouts, tying the franchise record originally set from May 30 through June 14, 2025. Dating back to the beginning of last season, Minnesota has allowed only two goals across its last 900 minutes of play at TCO Stadium.
Offensively, Aurora’s 19 goals scored remain the highest total in the Central Conference.
Haylee Mersereau earned Star of the Game honors following another strong defensive performance.
Up Next
Minnesota Aurora FC hits the road next to face Sioux Falls City FC on Tuesday, June 9, at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Aurora returns home to TCO Stadium on Friday, June 12, for a matchup against Edgewater Castle FC at 7 p.m.
Match Summary
Minnesota Aurora FC 1, RKC Third Coast 0
June 6, 2026 | TCO Stadium | Eagan, Minnesota
Scoring
58’ — AUR: Ai Kitagawa (Gracie Dunaway)
Star of the Game: Haylee Mersereau
Attendance: 5,048
