Minnesota Aurora won their ninth consecutive match on Wednesday night at TCO Stadium in Eagan. Two goals inside the first ten minutes were all Aurora could muster against a rough and tough Sioux Falls City club, but that was all that was needed to move Aurora to 9-0-0.
Having just played over the weekend Minnesota Aurora brought a hefty change to the starting eleven. Only five players returned to the eleven from last weekend's win over Edgewater Castle. Six players swapped out including goalkeeper Taylor Fox taking the start in place of Isaac Ranson.
Northland Soccer Journal
Early on in the match Minnesota Aurora showed who the dominant team was on the night. Following a throw in from Thalia Morisi, forward Ai Kitagawa took the ball slipped around and through the Sioux Falls defence towards the centre of the pitch and sent a rocket past goalkeeper Hannah Johann for the first goal of the night.
Two minutes later Aurora broke out into the attacking third with Flavie Dubé taking the ball down the right side of the pitch. Sioux Falls keeper Johann came towards Dubé, who flicked a pass across the box to Maia Tabion, where she immediately struck it into the open goal to take a 2-0 lead less than 10 minutes in.
From there Minnesota dominated the remainder of the first half, getting constant chances and throwing shots at Sioux Falls. But while the City defence allowed Aurora into the final third, they thwarted each of the chances. Last second tackles, spectacular goalkeeper saves, and defensive grit kept Sioux Falls in the match.
Northland Soccer Journal
The second half started off as the first had finished with Aurora continuously pushing for a goal, but with some massive effort as Sioux Falls threw everything but the kitchen sink at Aurora. Sioux Falls City had some chances, though all would end up being thwarted.
A number of fouls were called on both sides during the final half of football as the match became even more chippy as the clock winded towards 90 minutes. One yellow card was thrown at each side in the second half, with Sioux Falls card being their second on the night. Even with that the story of the half was Minnesota Aurora just being unable to capitalise on their chances.
Next Aurora hosts River Light FC in the final home match of the 2026 season. A single point from Aurora in that match will clinch their fifth consecutive Heartland Division Championship and spot in the 2026 USLW Playoffs.
