Minnesota Aurora FC’s 3-2 Victory over River Light FC Elevates Team to Top of Heartland Division

EAGAN – Minnesota Aurora FC (4-0-2) won 3-2 tonight against River Light FC (3-2-1) in front of 6,053 fans at TCO Stadium in their Women of Inspiration match. This win puts Aurora on top of the table in the Heartland Division, jumping ahead of Chicago City SC.

River Light opened the scoring in the 11th minute off a corner goal, thanks to Anya Guldbrandsen. The Lights kept the pressure on, challenging Blyth Braun with a flurry of chances following the goal. Aurora would not be held out of goal for long, though. 

In the 32nd minute, Katie Duong played a ball to the back post, forcing an RLFC save on the Cat Rapp shot, but Morgan Stone cleaned up the rebound for her first goal of 2024.

The two Heartland foes played the remainder of the opening half knotted up at 1-1.

Katie Duong immediately opened the second half with her first goal for Aurora, a powerful shot from 30 yards out in the 46th minute. 

“I’ve been trying to focus on being dangerous and varying the ways that I’m attacking,” Duong said. “The Aurora front line and midfield is so much fun to play with and I love combining with these players.”

Saige Wimes netted Aurora the insurance goal in the 75th minute. Katie Duong started the play from a corner kick, which was kept in play by Alicia Donley and then headed in by Wimes.

RLFC’s Evyn Schokora found the back of the net in the 87th minute. Taylor Kane came out of the goal to make the play, but Schokora was able to get it over her dive. Aurora kept RLFC at bay for the remainder of the game, handing them their second loss of the season.

Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery praised Aurora players, saying

“All the principles of play we have been working on in training are coming together. Different personnel at half time gave us an injection of energy and a boost of confidence. We’re really happy with the performance, everyone is doing their part.”

Minnesota Aurora hits the road for a game in Rochester on June 13 before returning to TCO Stadium to face Chicago’s Dutch Lions on June 16. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. All Aurora home matches will be streamed by Fox 9+.