MN Aurora FC Continues Unbeaten Regular Season Streak 8-0 Over Chicago Dutch Lions

AURORA, Ill. – Minnesota Aurora opened their 2024 season in style, scoring eight goals on the road against the Chicago Dutch Lions to continue their unbeaten regular season streak. 

Returner Sophie French started the scoring in the first half when Jelena Zbiljic whipped a cross into the 18-yard box. French connected in the sixth minute for an early 1-0 lead. 

From a Minnesota corner kick taken by Zbiljic, Aurora swarmed the box to create chaos for Chicago defenders. Katie Duong found herself on the end of Zbiljic’s service, but her shot ricocheted off the post. Giada Zhou was there to clean up and scored her first career goal in the 25th minute, doubling Aurora’s lead to 2-0. 

Minnesota dominated possession and looked hungry to extend their lead, but early offside calls stifled their attacking prowess. They overcame the disruptions to find their pace to end the half with two goals. 

Minnesota Aurora opened the second half with a flurry of four goals in a span of 15 minutes. 

French scored her second of the night in the 50th minute. 

Substitute Tess Werts came on during the halftime break, and she scored her first career goal in the 53rd minute for 4-0. Minutes later, Werts served a pass to a waiting Mariah Nguyen on the backside of the net, assisting on Nguyen’s first goal of the season. To cap off the scoring frenzy, Werts found the back of the net again, scoring off a strike from distance for 6-0 in the 59th minute. 

Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery was pleased with her team’s performance and especially Tess Werts, the Star Tribune Star of the Game. “They did what we asked them to do at halftime, which was to bring creativity, a way to unblock a road block, and find different ways to challenge the players,” said Montgomery. “Tess did a phenomenal job, along with the entire squad tonight.”

Aurora’s offense didn’t let up, Third year returner Lydia Ruppert scored her first career goal in the 75th minute as newcomer Taylor Shell carved up two defenders to slip inside the 18-yard box and contribute on the assist. Ruppert found the back of the net again, this time with Catherine Rapp on the assist, to close out the game 8-0 in the 77th minute. 

Minnesota Aurora’s next game is Saturday, May 30 at River Light FC. Their home opener at TCO Stadium is May 30 against RKC Third Coast. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches will be streamed by Fox 9+.