That time of year where the season ends is almost here, but for Aurora and their supporters it's not quite done yet. After last weeks pair of wins Minnesota has clinched their fifth straight division title and playoff appearance. This could mean up to two more home matches should Aurora host the National Semi-Finals and/or Finals. But in order to have the chance, the club needs to win out to finish at 36 points and 3PPG.
Minnesota Aurora manager Jen Larrick has noted multiple times that the goal is an unbeaten season, in part due to playoff seeding. But before then Aurora has two more games to go and that starts Tuesday night with a showdown in Rochester against the Loons. The North Star Derby has always gone in Aurora's favour, but that doesn't mean that Rochester has made it easy. In fact RFC has nearly taken down Aurora at Rochester Regional Stadium a few separate times.
However this season Rochester has been on the struggle bus even more than normal. After taking a 6–0 loss in Eagan to start the season Rochester fell in their next two consecutive matches to start the season. Heading into the final week RFC is 2-0-8 (6 points) after ten matches played and have only scored four times this season. Ella Kane and Elizabeth Huckaby are the only players to score this season for the Loons, with each player having scored twice. Kane has the club's only brace, which came in their first win over Edgewater Castle.
Defensively things have been even rougher for Rochester FC this season. The Loons have been outscored 12-1 in their last three matches and given up 29 goals on the season. RFC has also pitched a single clean sheet, coming in their 1-0 win over RKC Third Coast. If Aurora continues where they left off, then it will be a rough night tonight for the hosts.
News & Notes
Kickoff tonight in Rochester is set for 6pm at Rochester Regional Stadium. The match can be watched live on SportsEngine Play.
Next up for Aurora is the regular season finale against RKC Third Coast on Saturday in Kenosha, WI.
USL W League playoffs begin next weekend, 3-5 July with the Conference Semi-Finals and Finals.
Aurora will not be hosting the first two rounds of the playoffs due to a conflict at TCO Stadium.. The Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America Soccer Tournament takes place from 27 June to 5 July at TCO Stadium.
