After Saturday's USL W quarterfinal rematch between Minnesota Aurora FC and Indy Eleven, the former stood with a plus-56 goal differential while the latter sought to avenge last postseason's loss.
Minnesota Aurora's season comes to an end with 1-0 playoff loss to Indy Eleven
Indy Eleven broke through in the 58th minute for the lone goal. It was the only loss of the season for the Aurora, which finished 13-1.
July 8, 2023 at 10:43PM
Indy Eleven prevailed 1-0 in Flint, Mich., ending the Aurora's previously undefeated season.
Possession time, at least in the early stages of the second half, was among the aspects of play that Indy Eleven controlled.
Sam Dewey's goal in the 58th minute — when Grace Bahr's beautifully placed free kick pulled Aurora goalie Amanda Poorbaugh out of position — left the Aurora trailing for just the second time this season.
"I'm really proud of this team, it just didn't go our way today," coach Nicole Lukic said in a news release. "Overall, we're really happy; they're a fantastic group to work with every single day. ... We'll be back for 2024."
The Aurora (13-1) had their share of opportunities.
In the match's final minutes, Makenzie Langdok sailed a free kick just outside the 18-yard box and a later corner kick was also unsuccessful.
The Star Tribune did not send the writer of this article to the game. This was written using a broadcast, interviews and other material.
The “sticky” ball that coach Chris Finch so deplores showed up for the first game, after a preseason when offense happened smoothly. On defense, “resistance” was missing, the coach said.
