Late goals have not traditionally been Aurora's thing, with the team typically starting hot and scoring early. But in the hot and humid Pittsburgh weather it was two late goals that sent Aurora to the USL W League Central Conference Finals. The first one and winner coming in the 39th minute from Skye Leach, while the second came late in the second half from Jelena Zbiljic to secure Minnesota a 2-0 win on Friday afternoon.
Opening the playoffs Minnesota had a few notable absences from the squad. Namely being Talia Coury who recently signed with Liga MX Femenil side UANL Tigres. Though even with that, manager Jen Larrick still brought out a normal eleven and only one surprise player. Vivian Rojas Collins (Pomona-Pitzer) returned to the matchday roster, having previously been named as a sub in one other match this season.
Minnesota Aurora FC
From the opening whistle Minnesota Aurora came out in their same shape and form. That being a dominant one with their first chance coming just four minutes in, but going over the bar. Missed chances would be a story on the afternoon for Aurora as the side constantly was threatening to score on Union Macomb. But goalkeeper Emily Kruntovski kept Union in the match, making some incredible saves when her defence was cut through.
Eventually though Aurora found the back of the net to take the lead in the opening half. Skye Leach buried a header off a corner kick in the 39th minute to put the number one seed up 1-0 just before the half.
Right off the training ground 🚩@MNAuroraFC takes the lead thanks to Skye Leach's header! pic.twitter.com/CqdpLxjiw6
— USL W League (@USLWLeague) July 3, 2026
The second half was much different than the first half of football as Union Macomb had finally gotten a slight hand on Aurora's defence. Union was able to mount some threats, but rarely broke through Aurora's back line. And in the infrequent instances where they did, Taylor Fox was right there to collect the ball.
Offensively for Aurora the second half was much like the first. Plenty of great chances, a few misses, some blocks, and a lot of good goalkeeping from Kruntovski prevented them from scoring for much of the half.
But as with the first half, Aurora found the back of the net late. Kalo Iongi cut clear into the left side of the box and sent a pass back towards the top, finding Jelena Zbiljic. Open and partially unmarked Zbiljic, who now holds the most appearances for Aurora, corralled the ball and sent it into goal for Aurora's second of the day.
Beat the 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 ☀️
— USL W League (@USLWLeague) July 3, 2026
Jelena Zbiljic gives @MNAuroraFC some breathing room late in the second half! pic.twitter.com/ISuTSnV9sH
Union FC Macomb turned on the afterburners and used their remaining energy to try and come back in the last few minutes plus stoppage. Once again Macomb was stifled by Minnesota's defence and goalkeeper Taylor Fox, who earned the club's 12th clean sheet of the season with the win.
Waiting for Minnesota Aurora on Sunday evening is the winner of Friday night's Semi-Final match between hosts Pittsburgh Riveters and Racing Louisville's W League side. Kickoff for that match is set for 6pm CT on Friday night with the winner playing as the "away team" in Sunday's Final.
