The unofficial opener to the 2026 season was not kind to Minnesota Aurora as Kansas City Current hammered them 4–0. Aurora came into the match a bit shorthanded, with only around a dozen players having made it in as of Wednesday. University of Kansas commit Brooklyn Smith stepped into goal for Aurora, who have only had one goalkeeper arrive as of this week. On the other hand Current II are made up of a combination of local high school talent and players at least one year graduated and looking to break into the first team. For the hosts this was also their fourth match of an 18 game schedule, stretching from late March to August.
KC Current II showed that advantage early scoring just three minutes into the match. A corner was sent in by Current II from the goalkeepers left side. Aurora blocked a header from the current, but couldn't clear it out of the box. In the ensuing scrum Kansas City sent a shot through traffic and to Smith's right to put themselves up 1–0.
Even following a series of yellow cards that saw both sides booked, over the next twenty minutes Current II continued to pressure Aurora. But the visitors were able to repel each attack forcing KCCII to constantly restart the attack. But Current II finally broke the damn just as the half hour mark passed. After intercepting a pass Aurora weren't able to clear the ball to end the attack. Kansas City intercepted the low clearance attempt then sent a one-two chain of through balls, ending with a shot and goal in the centre of the six.
One minute after the 32nd minute goal KCCII struck a third time on the afternoon. Following the kickoff Kansas City immediately pressed Aurora, creating a turnover in Minnesota's defensive third. Smith blocked a long shot from her right side, but KC was able to get to the loose ball near the endline and tap it in for goal number three. Minnesota Aurora held out for the remainder of first half sending the match to the break at 3–0.
Northland Soccer Journal
The second half started as the first ended with Aurora on the back foot having to constantly defend their final third. If not for an incredible save by Brooklyn Smith in the 56th minute, the match could have been 4–0 before 60 minutes in. Just after the 60th minute mark Aurora was handed their second yellow card of the afternoon. But from there the match started to get more even as Current II subbed on their younger players.
After showing spurts of their strong attack, especially down the left side, Minnesota would not get a goal for their efforts. Unfortunately for Aurora they would give up a fourth goal towards the end of the match in stoppage time. The referee awarded a penalty after a collision between two players brought an Aurora player down on top of a Current II player inside the box. KCCII lined up and easily scored the penalty in the 90+1st minute, earning them their fourth win of 2026.
Northland Soccer Journal
Minnesota Aurora's loss to Kansas City Current II brought a lot of learning experiences for the team as they head towards their next match. More players will also come over the next week for the second week of pre-season training, strengthening the roster. Next Saturday night Minnesota Aurora will host WPSL side Salvo SC in Aurora's second final friendly at TCO Stadium in Eagan, kicking off at 7pm.
