Five matches into the season and Minnesota Aurora has five wins for it following a 7–0 dismantling of Rally Madison on Thursday night in Eagan. This is Aurora's best start to a season in club history as while they did go 12-0-0 in 2023 the team has never had five consecutive clean sheets to start a season. But the challenge this evening will be much different than Thursday's match with Rally Madison.
RKC Third Coast are 1-0-3 (3 points) on the season, but have only allowed a total of four goals on the season so far. While the Gulls attack has much to be desired, having scored just twice this season, the solid defence has kept them in every match played this season. RKC also comes in as the much more rested side, having played last on 31 May where they fell 1–0 at home to Rockford Raptors. Goalkeeper Ella Kratochvil (Eastern Illinois) has played every minute in goal for RKC and has been as close to a brick wall as possible.
But Aurora's offence is different than any club RKC has faced so far this season. With 18 goals scored in five matches, Minnesota is one of the best offensive teams in the entire USL W League. Ai Kitagawa has scored six goals for the club this season and along with Flavie Dubé comes in after snagging a brace on Thursday night.
Goalkeepers Taylor Fox and Isaac Ranson along with the entire Aurora defence have been literal brick walls this season, with neither allowing a single goal on the campaign. As a collegiate player Fox only allowed four goals over 792 minutes played while Ranson is a two-time Big West Goalkeeper of the Year. An award that Ranson stated really goes to the entire defence for their efforts rather than just himself.
Manager Jen Larrick has stressed that while RKC's record may not look good they are not to be underestimated and that Aurora will come out with the same fire they do each match.
News & Notes
This afternoon's match is Aurora's fifth annual Pride match, the club will debut a special alternate Pride themed kit
Midfielder Skye Leach is currently at camp with the Philippines Women's National Team, while defender Talia Coury is with the Mexico U23 Women's National Team. Both players are expected to miss today's match while at their respective national team camps.
Following the match against RKC it is just two days of rest for Aurora as the club heads to Sioux Falls, SD for a Tuesday night showdown with Sioux Falls City FC.
