Minnesota Aurora FC continues to exceed expectations. In its debut season, the team has advanced to the semifinals of the inaugural USL W League playoffs, and it did so in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,200 fans.
After going undefeated in the regular season (11-0-1), the Aurora went head-to-head Wednesday with another undefeated team in the Indy Eleven and came out with a 2-1 win.
They scored their first playoff victory after fighting back from a 1-0 deficit. Mayu Inokawa, who was making her first start, notched the game-winner in the 65th minute with her first career goal.
The walk-up. The shot. The goal. pic.twitter.com/ZQGHNWydnp— Minnesota Aurora FC (@MNAuroraFC) July 14, 2022
The walk-up. The shot. The goal. pic.twitter.com/ZQGHNWydnp
Starting goalkeeper Sarah Fuller also impressed for Minnesota, with four key saves in the first half including one on a penalty kick from Indy’s Katherine Soderstrom.
“I’ve seen her shoot a few times. I was like OK, I feel like she’s going to go to my left and I just went. It was there, I made the save. Just incredible, so happy I saved it,” Fuller told KMSP.
BRICK WALL FULLER™️ pic.twitter.com/OkRFahpjwf— Minnesota Aurora FC (@MNAuroraFC) July 14, 2022
BRICK WALL FULLER™️ pic.twitter.com/OkRFahpjwf
As the NWSL continues to look at cities for expansion in 2024, Minnesota continues to make its case through the turnout for its semi-professional team.
Next up, the Aurora will host McLean Soccer at TCO Stadium on Sunday in a semifinal match.