USL WLW (Women’s League W) – Regular Season
Date: June 24, 2026 | Venue: Rochester Regional Health Stadium, New York

Minnesota Aurora FC Women made the long trip to Rochester worthwhile, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rochester FC Women in a tightly contested USL WLW encounter. The solitary goal was enough to lift the visitors into the top four of the table.

Match Overview

Playing in humid early-morning conditions, both teams started cautiously. Rochester, fighting to move away from the bottom of the standings, defended with compactness, but Minnesota’s quality eventually told in the second half.

Key Moments

• First half: Rochester goalkeeper Emily Anderson made a stunning reflex save in the 28th minute to deny a point-blank header from Aurora midfieder Mia Pante.
• 54th minute – GOAL: The breakthrough came when a short corner routine found Kendall Blau unmarked at the near post. She flicked a header past the helpless Anderson for her fourth goal of the season.
• Late Rochester pressure: Rochester pushed forward in the final 20 minutes, with striker Taylor Ham forcing a save from Aurora keeper Lena Schmidt in the 83rd minute.

Tactical Battle

Minnesota Aurora stuck to their possession-based style, controlling 61% of the ball. Rochester packed the midfield but left spaces on the flanks, which Aurora exploited for the goal. The visitors’ full-backs were key, overlapping to create overloads.

Standings Context

The win takes Minnesota Aurora FC Women to 18 points from 10 matches, moving them into 3rd place in the USL WLW table. Rochester FC Women remain in 9th, now seven points adrift of the playoff spots. The clean sheet was Aurora’s fourth of the season, highlighting their defensive solidity.

Player of the Match

Kendall Blau was the difference-maker with her well-taken goal and tireless work rate. The midfielder also completed 92% of her passes and won three aerial duels.