Photo Gallery: Aurora 2 vs NOSC Blast (UPSL Women Conference Championship)
Michael Lake
After a 1-1 tie at full-time, NOSC Blast eventually defeated Aurora 2 in the UPSL Women Conference Championship 2-1 in overtime on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at TCO Stadium. Here are our pictures from the pitch.
[Editor’s Note: Apologies for the delay in getting this gallery posted – a computer failure delayed our photo processing for most of the week.]
NOSC Blast player Jessica Eischens (20) ties to control a high ball with Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ava Westlund (19) and defender Aleah Treiterer (10) nearby at the Aurora 2 vs NOSC Blast UPSL Women Conference Championship on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
NOSC Blast goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine (18) forces Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ellie Primerano (13) away from NOSC Blast player Ava Ligtenberg (39) as she clears the ball at the Aurora 2 vs NOSC Blast UPSL Women Conference Championship on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora 2 midfielder/defender Kiera Laney (8) and Minnesota Aurora 2 sporting director and head coach Mandy Pochobradsky after the Aurora 2 vs NOSC Blast UPSL Women Conference Championship on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC (UPSL Women Conference Semifinals)
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora 2 (4) defeated Superior City FC (1) on Friday night in the UPSL Women Conference Semifinal match at Humboldt High School in St. Paul. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Aurora 2 moves on to the Conference Championship match at 5pm on Sunday evening at TCO Stadium, where admission will be free to all attendees.
Minnesota Aurora 2 goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn (30) collects the ball from a press by Superior City FC forward Molly Henderson (17) at the Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC UPSL Women Conference Semifinal on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Superior City FC midfielder Victoria Thorson (7) dribbles the ball against Minnesota Aurora 2 midfielder Milan Cordone (9) at the Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC UPSL Women Conference Semifinal on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ellie Primerano (13) has her shot deflected by Superior City FC goalkeeper Katelyn Olson (1) at the Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC UPSL Women Conference Semifinal on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora 2 defender Bailey Dodds (21) celebrates her goal with teammates Ellie Primerano (13), Karlee Torisk (16), Anya Westlund (18), and Luka Johnson (20) at the Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC UPSL Women Conference Semifinal on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Superior City FC goalkeeper Katelyn Olson (1) collects the ball off an attack by Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ellie Primerano (13) at the Aurora 2 vs Superior City FC UPSL Women Conference Semifinal on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Gallery: Aurora 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2
Michael Lake
Here are our photos from the Aurora 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2 game on June 27th at Concordia in St. Paul.
Minnesota Aurora mascot Rory the Aurorasaurus gives high-fives to Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ava Westlund (19) and midfielder Anya Westlund (18) at the Minnesota Aurora FC 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2 UPSL Women match on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Tonka Fusion Elite 2 midfielder Avery Olmstead (21) dribbles the ball away from Minnesota Aurora 2 midfielder Molly Knoblauch (24) at the Minnesota Aurora FC 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2 UPSL Women match on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora 2 midfielder Ayah Makled (12) dribbles the ball against Tonka Fusion Elite 2 defender Riley Lloyd (14) at the Minnesota Aurora FC 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2 UPSL Women match on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora 2 midfielder Ayah Makled (12) dribbles the ball against Tonka Fusion Elite 2 midfielders Avery Olmstead (21) and Addy Keenan (4) at the Minnesota Aurora FC 2 vs Tonka Fusion Elite 2 UPSL Women match on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Aurora vs Bavarian United
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora FC defeated Bavarian United 5-0 on Thursday night at TCO Stadium. Here our our photos from the match.
Photo Gallery: Rochester FC vs Minnesota Aurora FC
Michael Lake
Aurora defeated Rochester 3-0 on Thursday night on the road at RCTC Stadium. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Minnesota Aurora FC midfielder Sophie French (3) lines up a shot against Rochester FC goalkeeper Emma Knack (1), but is ultimately called off-side at the Rochester FC vs Minnesota Aurora FC USL-W match on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at RCTC Stadium in Rochester, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora FC midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) gets a foot on the ball as Rochester FC player Putri Sazali (17) attempts a break-away at the Rochester FC vs Minnesota Aurora FC USL-W match on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at RCTC Stadium in Rochester, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Aurora vs River Light
Michael Lake
Aurora took top spot in the Heartland Division with a 3-2 win over River Light FC at TCO Stadium on Saturday night. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Minnesota Aurora FC midfielder Morgan Stone (4) celebrates her equalizing goal with midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) and forward Catherine Rapp (20) at the Minnesota Aurora FC vs River Light FC match on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Recap & Photos: Aurora 2 Draws 3-3 with Granite City
Michael Lake
Aurora2 hosted Granite City FC on Saturday, May 25 – Aurora’s third match in seven days. The fatigue showed but Aurora managed to play the Rocks to a high-scoring draw, 3-3. It started early with Leah Brown finishing a ball from Sophia Haase in the 8th minute to put the Rocks up 1-0. But it only took Aurora six minutes to level with Ava Westlund scoring in the 13th. Despite some big saves from Aurora keeper Bayliss Flynn, Haase was able to add one more goal before halftime, making 2-1 Granite City at the break.
“The first half, first of all, was definitely not up to the levels that we expect from the group and they understated that,” said Aurora2 head coach Mandy Pochobradsky. “You know, we did underperform but with that being said, it’s been a long week – three games in seven days is a lot to ask of a player so we were able to get some new players in which was good to see.”
Haase tallied a brace for the visitors in the 48th minute, converting from the penalty spot to go up 3-1. But Westlund added a brace of her own in the 62nd minute, with an assist from Mandy Elton – returning the favor from Wednesday’s match. “Both are incredibly creative players, players that we like to get on the ball, want to have them be in dangerous positions and let their creativity shine in the final third specifically,” Pochobradsky said.
Granite City goalkeeper Kaitlyn Krengel did a lot of work to keep Aurora2 from equalizing but Ellie Primerano beat her in the 81st minute. The sides traded shots for the last ten minutes but had to settle for a shared point.
Aurora2 improves to 2-0-1 (W-L-D) with the result and will face NOSC Blast at Spring Lake Park High School on Wednesday, May 29.
Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ellie Primerano (13) presses the ball into Granite City defender Lilian Wade (4) and midfielders Ava Kowalchyk (28) and Avery Toms (24) at the Aurora 2 vs Granite City match on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Granite City forward Lainie Wehmhoff (20) and midfielder Elizabeth Schmidt (17) clear the ball away from Minnesota Aurora 2 forward Ava Westlund (19) at the Aurora 2 vs Granite City match on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Aurora 2023 Wrap-Up Practice
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora FC turned the lights off on the 2023 season this week with a few light practices and a partial roster on hand. Despite the early exit from the USL-W playoffs, spirits were high at TCO, with the players and coaching staff enjoying some last few moments together for the year. Here are our photos from the practice session on Tuesday morning.
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora vs Chicago City SC
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora FC closed out the 2023 regular season with a 7-0 win over Heartland Division #2 Chicago City SC and a flawless 12-0-0 record and +56 goal differential. Nearly 7,000 fans were in attendance, setting a new attendance record at TCO Stadium.
Aurora go on to the Central Conference playoffs next week in Flint, Michigan.
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora vs Bavarian United
Michael Lake
Bavarian United scored an early goal and held strong for most of the first half, but Minnesota Aurora came back to win with a decisive 5-1 finish in Saturday’s Pride game at TCO Stadium. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Minnesota Aurora forward Maya Hansen (13) controls the ball while Minnesota Aurora midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) and Bavarian United midfielder Marisa Grzesiak (2) look on during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Bavarian United midfielder Madison Tuma (19) and Minnesota Aurora midfielders Hannah Adler (10) and Addison Weichers (16) vie for the ball during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora forward Catherine Rapp (20) celebrates Aurora’s first goal with forward Maya Hansen (13) and midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Hannah Adler (10) dribbles the ball on the sideline with Bavarian United midfielders Marisa Grzesiak (2) and Hailey Block (11) defending during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora goalkeeper Amanda Poorbaugh (0) jumps to collect the ball out of the air while Bavarian United defender Hannah Kroupa (7) and Minnesota Aurora defender Tianna Harris (15) jump for a header during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Bavarian United goalkeeper Chloe Olson (1) scrambles to collect the ball after an attack by Minnesota Aurora midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora defender Tianna Harris (15) celebrates her goal with midfielder Sophie French (3), midfielder Rami Rapp (6), midfielder Jelena Zbiljic (21), and midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Bavarian United midfielder Hailey Block (11), Minnesota Aurora defender Elizabeth Rapp (7), and Minnesota Aurora midfielder Sophie French (3) jump for a header during the Minnesota Aurora FC vs Bavarian United FC match on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: MN Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC
Michael Lake
Minnesota Thunder defeated Sioux Falls City FC 3-1 in Friday’s WPSL game at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Sioux Falls City FC goalkeeper Hailee Fischer (18) punches the ball away as Minnesota Thunder forward Paige Peltier (42) attempts a header during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Thunder forward Paige Peltier (42) dribbles the ball along the goal line against Sioux Falls City FC defender Rebecca Storr (25) during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Thunder forward Megan Nemec (18) kicks the ball while Sioux Falls City FC defender Rebecca Storr (25) jumps to block during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Thunder forward Paige Peltier (42) dribbles the ball against Sioux Falls City FC defender Rebecca Storr (25) and forward Mary Perez (10) during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Minnesota Thunder forward Andrea Barth (30) and Sioux Falls City FC defender Rebecca Storr (25) jump for a header in front of Sioux Falls City FC’s goal during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Sioux Falls City FC defender Letycia Bonifacio (28) takes a shot on goal while Minnesota Thunder midfielder Izzy Engle (2) jumps to block during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Sioux Falls City FC forward Jada Vanoverbeke (23) attempts to dribble through Minnesota Thunder midfielder Grace Pohlidal (6) and defender Jordy Rothwell (21) during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Sioux Falls City FC forward Mckenna Lehman (16) dribbles the ball against Minnesota Thunder midfielders Madelyn Poor (12) and Grace Pohlidal (6) during the Minnesota Thunder vs Sioux Falls City FC match on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake / Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora v Chicago Dutch Lions
Michael Lake
With a hat trick from midfielder Hannah Adler (10), Minnesota Aurora defeated Chicago Dutch Lions 6-1 on Wednesday’s match at TCO Stadium.
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora vs RKC Third Coast
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora sailed to a 10-0 win against RKC Third Coast on Wednesday night. Here are our photos from the pitch.
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Morgan Stone (4) and midfielder Mariah Nguyen (19) jump for a header off a corner kick while RKC Third Coast forward Haley Johnson (10), defender Brie Klingbeil (20), and forward Alexis Baker (13) defend during the Minnesota Aurora v. RKC Third Coast match on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake/Lake Photography)
Minnesota Aurora midfielder Morgan Stone (4) heads the ball from a corner kick while RKC Third Coast forward Alexis Baker (13) and defender Brie Klingbeil (20) defend during the Minnesota Aurora v. RKC Third Coast match on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Lake/Lake Photography)
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora v Rochester FC
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora defeated Rochester FC 5-0 at home for the season opener on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023. Here are our photographs from the game.
Photo Gallery: Minnesota Aurora FC Practice
Michael Lake
Minnesota Aurora FC held an open practice session on Monday, May 22nd ahead of their season opener on Wednesday night against Rochester FC. Check out our photos below.