Minnesota Aurora FC Welcomes Lucca Shimanuki as Goalkeeper Coach for 2024 Season

St Paul, MN, April 1, 2024  – Minnesota Aurora FC today announces the addition of Lucca Shimanuki to its coaching staff for the 2024 season. Shimanuki will be Goalkeeper Coach for Aurora Football Club and for Aurora 2, the club’s reserve team. 

Shimanuki joins Aurora after spending almost four years as Head Coach and Director of Goalkeeping with Twin Cities Rush, where he led U16 boys to an Adidas National Cup Championship. Prior to that, he held coaching positions and led goalkeeping programs at North Central University, Mounds Park Academy, and Mount Marty College. Shimanuki holds a Master’s degree in Education and Coaching Leadership from Mount Marty College and played goalkeeper for the NPSL’s Sioux Falls Thunder. Shimanuki also currently works with Minnesota United FC’s Academy program. 

In his role as Goalkeeper Coach, Shimanuki will work with the club’s goalkeepers to develop and refine their skills, enhance their tactical understanding, and elevate their leadership. His deep experience as a player and a coach will provide crucial guidance to Aurora’s goalkeepers as they look to build on their undefeated regular season record. 

“Aurora has built a tradition of high-caliber soccer, and goalkeeping has always been critical to how we win,” said Aurora President Jessica Poole. “Lucca’s deep experience building strong goalkeeping programs is exactly what we need at this stage in the club’s trajectory. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Aurora family.” 

“I’m so excited to join Aurora and become part of this team’s incredible story,” said Shimanuki. “I’m deeply committed to the success of each goalkeeper on and off the field, and can’t wait to help bring out the very best in these players and the organization.” 

Minnesota Aurora FC kicks off their 2024 season on May 23 in Chicago. Aurora’s Home Opener is scheduled for May 30 at TCO Stadium in Eagan. 

About Minnesota Aurora FC 

Minnesota Aurora FC is Minnesota’s pre-professional women’s soccer team. Aurora plays at TCO Stadium in Eagan, MN and competes in the USL-W League’s Heartland Division. The team has been undefeated in two regular seasons and in 2022 was named their league’s Organization of the Year. Aurora is community-owned and values-led, with a mission of developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field. For more information, visit MNAurora.com.