Record crowd 6000+ Fans watch MN Aurora remain undefeated

Minnesota Aurora continues to dazzle in its inaugural season. In a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Dutch Lions, record crowd of 6,016 fans watched as the team extended its undefeated record to seven wins and one tie for a total of 22 points to lead the Heartland Division. 

Head Coach Nicole Lukic said, “We’re trying to enjoy each moment. The fans tonight were incredible. We feel lucky to be here in front of a community that really supports us.”

Captain and defender Makenzie Langdok joined the attack early in the first half. With great vision on the field, she looked up to find Mariah Nguyen on the back post. Nguyen leaped into the air to connect with the pass and give Aurora the 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. 

The Chicago Dutch Lions fought back, and Kat Stephens evened the score to 1-1 in the 24th minute. 

After the halftime break, Aurora roared out of the gates. In the 48th minute, Cat Rapp appeared to score, but officials called the play offside to nullify the goal. Her time would come less than 10 minutes later. 

“We scored on some different opportunities than we had in the past, some crossing and one-touch finishes in the box,” said Head Coach Lukic on what the team emphasized in the locker room. 

Goal-scorer Nguyen earned a corner kick in the 55th minute, and Addy Symonds stepped up to take the kick on the left side of the pitch. Jill Bennett initially made contact with Symond’s service into the 18-yard box, but it was Cat Rapp who scored Aurora’s second goal of the night. Rapp’s goal is her second in the past two games.

Minnesota Aurora continued to dominate the second half, and an 81st minute goal by second half substitute Arianna Del Moral made the score 3-1 and put the Chicago Dutch Lions away and secure the victory and remain in first place and undefeated in the Heartland Division.