Aurora dominated their final pre-season friendly against Salvo SC, winning 5–1 against the WPSL side. But that win came with plenty of challenges for a new look Aurora squad. A tight first half that saw Salvo keep pace with Aurora led to a 1–1 draw at the break. Following a series of mass subs at the half for both teams Aurora broke out and scored four unanswered goals to give Aurora their first (unofficial) win of the season.
With more players coming in for the week manager Jen Larrick made a few chages to the eleve, but the 4-4-2 formation remained. Isaac Ranson (Cal State-Fullerton) got his first start in goal for the defending Heartland Division champion. Ai Kitagawa (Memphis) and Talia Coury (Idaho State) started up top while veteran Jelena Zbiljic, who is recovering from an ACL injury, was available from the bench.
Northland Women’s Soccer
It only took 55 seconds for Aurora to score the first goal of the match from midfielder Amelia Brown (UNC Charlotte). A little over 20 minutes later Salvo got one back with a shot from a tight angle and towards the far post that caught Ranson off guard.
The two teams traded attacks to for the remainder of the first half, but neither team able to take advantage and score a second goal before the half came to a close.
To start the second half both teams made a series of mass subs, with Aurora bringing on nine new players for the second half. Taylor Fox (GK), Skye Leach (FW), Hadli Barrera (FW), Flavie Dubé (MF), Thalia Morisi (MF), Olivia Rush (MF), Gracie Dunaway (MF), Kaitlyn Slocum (DF), and Capriel Winder (DF) all came on to play the final forty-five minutes.
20 minutes into the second half Aurora re-took the lead with a 64th minute goal from Hadli Barrera (Utah State). Eight minutes later midfielder Skye Leach (Kentucky) scored the hosts third goal. Then in in 80th minute midfielder Flavie Dubé (Memphis) showed her talent with a goal. Four minutes later she added to it snagging a brace on the night and securing a huge win for Aurora.
Next up for Aurora is the start of the USL W-League season as they host in-state rival Rochester FC on Thursday for Minnesota Aurora's fifth ever home opener.
