Minnesota Aurora loses 3-2 to Salmon Bay in penalty kick shootout
Minnesota Aurora FC's 2026 season came to and end late Saturday night after a loss in penalty kicks to Salmon Bay FC in the USL-W semifinals in Seattle. ((Photo credit: Richard Dizon))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A historic season for the Minnesota Aurora came to a disappointing end after they lost to Salmon Bay in Seattle late Saturday night in the USL-W semifinals.
After another undefeated regular season, Minnesota Aurora's playoff run comes to an end short of the USL-W championship game.
Minnesota Aurora FC loses to Salmon Bay
How it happened:
Minnesota Aurora FC lost to Salmon Bay FC in penalty kicks, 3-2, after the two teams played to a 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Aurora took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute on a gift from Salmon Bay FC. Anna Menti of Salmon Bay thought they had earned a goal kick, but the ball never crossed the end line. Menti touched the ball with her hand to set up the kick for the keeper, and was whistled for a handball in the penalty area. Ai Kitagawa scored on the penalty kick to give Minnesota the 1-0 lead.
Salmon Bay FC got the equalizer in the 89th minute, after Aurora keeper Taylor Fox was called for a yellow card in the penalty area, colliding with a Salmon Bay player while going for a loose ball. Salmon Bay was awarded a penalty kick, and converted late in regulation.
In the penalty kick session, Minnesota Aurora FC had one shot saved, and missed the net on two others. Salmon Bay converted three kicks, ending the Aurora's season.
Aurora's season ends
The backstory:
The Aurora finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0-0 record.
They added two additional playoff wins over the Pittsburgh riveters and Union FC Macomb.
They also outscored opponents 41-33 on their way to securing their second-straight Central Conference championship.
The Source: This story uses information from the match between the Minnesota Aurora and Salmon Bay.