Rally Madison FC Fall To Minnesota Aurora FC On The Road
Rally struggle to find their footing against last year’s Division Title-holders
Lineup Notes
RMFC: #4 Izzy Arnold, #14 Anya Carrillo, #15 Delaney Hoelker, #18 Kayla Budish, #19 Mya Hanson, #21 Taylor Gordon, #22 Abbey Stanton, #23 Summer Steel, #25 Lili Berg, #27 Catherine Arnold, #77 Molly Armstong
Subs Used: Wyttenbach
ARA: #1 Fox, #2 Gracie Dunaway, #4 Albert, #11 Mersereau, #12 Dubé, #13 Karfonta, #15 Boughton, #17 Olivia Rush, #18 Morisi, #31 Kitagawa, #41 Winder
Subs Used: Fieldsend, Iongi, Guiterrez, Slocum, Barrera
Match Action
Rally took the field tonight at TCO Stadium to face the 2025 Division Champs, Minnesota Aurora FC. This match was set to be a tough test for Rally as Aurora maintained the top spot in the table and had yet to allow a single goal against them this season. Aurora set the tone early, controlling possession and forcing Rally onto the back foot. Aurora found the back of the net in the 18’, but the goal was called back for offside, offering Rally a brief reprieve. The relief was short-lived, when Minnesota broke through in the 20’, slipping past the defense after Berg came off her line, and then doubled their lead just two minutes later with a well-placed cross and header. The momentum stayed firmly with Minnesota, continuing to threaten and taking multiple shots. Despite the one-way traffic, Rally’s defense held strong through much of the half. Lili Berg and the back line came up with a series of key interventions, including blocked corners, clearances under pressure, and a crucial save in the 35’ to keep the deficit manageable.
Rally showed flashes of attacking intent with increased aggression late in the half led by Kayla Budish, Taylor Gordon, and Abbey Stanton. A potential opportunity in the 41’ slipped away on an unlucky touch by Gordon, allowing Aurora to regain control. Rally’s defensive effort kept the score from getting too far of reach as the first half came to close with Rally down two goals.
Berg came up with a big stop immediately in the 46’ as the second half kicked off. Berg continued to snuff out opportunities for Aurora, making a slew of stops and collections early in the second half including another massive save in the 55’. Despite an impressive show from Berg, Iongi was able to slip a third Aurora goal past her in the 59’. Rally kept up a stalwart defensive effort, but Aurora found a fourth in the 71’ from Gutierrez. The floodgates seemed to open for Aurora as a fifth goal came just moments after in the 74’ as Dubé found the back of the net. Another goal came in the 77’ from Kitagawa. Dubé secured a brace for herself with another goal in the 83’. With extreme inclement weather approaching, the match was called immediately following the Dubé brace and Aurora collected all three points at home.
Goal Summary
1-0 ARA, Kitagawa (19’)
2-0 ARA, Morisi (22’)
3-0 ARA, Iongi (59’)
4-0 ARA, Gutierrez (71’)
5-0 ARA, Dube (74’)
6-0 ARA, Kitagawa (77’)
7-0 ARA, Dube (83’)
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow MAD – Hanson
Yellow ARA- Gutierrez
Next Match
Next up, Rally Madison FC will return home to face River Light FC at Breese Stevens Field on June 9th at 6:00 pm. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game, season tickets, or shopping the Rally Merch Store!
About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison kicked off its first-ever season in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.
