Nguyen’s Hat Tricks Lifts Minnesota Aurora to 7-0 Home Opener Win

EAGAN, Minn. – 5,092 fans had a lot to cheer about at Minnesota Aurora’s 7-0 home opener win – courtesy of a Mariah Nguyen hat-trick. Catherine Rapp bagged a brace, and both Saige Wimes and Addy Weichers contributed a goal apiece. 

Minnesota Aurora’s corner kick prowess powered up in the fifth minute when defender Kelis Barton served a ball into the 18-yard box. Nguyen found a settling touch, teeing up the shot for Weichers to volley in for 1-0 – the first for Weichers this season. 

Wimes scored her first career goal for Minnesota Aurora, doubling the lead to 2-0 in the 26th minute. Nguyen found Wimes’ feet by slipping a pass past RKC Third Coast’s defensive line, and Wimes did the rest. 

Nguyen had herself a night, netting a hat trick and assisting twice. She registered a point on five of Aurora’s seven goals. 

Nguyen’s torrent of goals started in the 35th minute for a 3-0 lead. Giada Zhou played a looping cross into the six-yard box, allowing Nguyen to shield the ball, take a touch, and score. 

Eleven minutes later, Nguyen scored her second of the night from a Catherine Rapp assist. 

Rapp wanted in on the action and rocketed a crossbar, down, and in goal in the 55th minute for 5-0.  

Nguyen completed the hat trick trifecta in the 57th minute, this time with Tess Werts tallying an assist. Nguyen has scored four goals in the 2024 season and 12 in her Minnesota Aurora career. 

Nguyen’s performance earned her Star Tribune Star of Game, but she credited the whole team for their success. “Our connection on the field was fantastic tonight. We knew right away that we wanted to start strong.”

Catherine Rapp closed out the game 7-0 in the 85th minute. Defender Alicia Donley took a shot from distance, but the RKC Third Coast goalkeeper couldn’t hold on the shot, allowing Rapp to tap in the rebound. 

“We’ve challenged the players to play with excellence, no matter what minute it is or how many goals we’ve scored. We want to be as sharp as possible,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery on the 7-0 win. 

Minnesota Aurora’s next game is June 2 at Chicago City SC. They will return home to TCO Stadium on June 6 versus Rochester FC. Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches will be streamed by Fox 9+.