Minnesota Aurora FC Settles for 1-1 Draw Against River Light FC

AURORA, Ill. – Minnesota Aurora FC maintains their unblemished regular season with a 1-1 draw against Heartland Division newcomers, River Light FC. The tie is their first since May 26, 2022. 

Both teams spent the first half testing each other and exchanging quality scoring opportunities before settling into a slower tempo.

In the dwindling minutes of the first half, Devin Lynch of River Light FC created a sliver of space to rocket a left-footed shot at the top of the 18-yard box. Goalkeeper Taylor Kane got her fingertips on the shot, and with the help of the crossbar, was able to keep the score 0-0 going into halftime. 

Although Aurora came out of the locker room with renewed spark, River Light FC was first to get on the board. In the 52nd minute, University of Minnesota commit Mya Nugent and Aurora defender Alicia Donley bumped ankles, causing Donley to fall and leaving Nugent open to score.

Minnesota Aurora responded quickly and leveled the score 1-1 in the 54th minute. From a set piece, Addison Weichers served a looping ball into the 18-yard box and connected with the head of Sophie French. The goal is French’s third of the season and ninth career goal. 

Minnesota’s Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery gave her thoughts on the team’s performance post-game. “River Light brought a great game against us, and we’re excited to have an opponent like this in the division. Our players responded well to the game plan we put out there and the strategy we wanted to put in place today”

Minnesota Aurora’s next game is Thursday, May 30 – their home opener at TCO Stadium. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches will be streamed by Fox 9+.