Overview
- Minnesota took the lead when Ai Kitigawa converted a penalty after Salmon Bay defender Anna Menti handled near her own goal in the first half.
- Salmon Bay leveled in the 88th minute when Ui Kaaihue scored from the spot after the referee ruled Aurora goalkeeper Taylor Fox fouled an attacker, a call Minnesota players vehemently protested.
- Aurora went down to 10 players in the 103rd minute when Flavie Dube received a second yellow card, and Salmon Bay largely controlled the remainder of extra time.
- The semifinal was decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout in which goalkeeper Elena Milam made key stops, Taylor Fox missed Aurora’s fifth attempt, and Anna Menti converted the winning kick.
- The victory sends Salmon Bay to host Vermont Green at Interbay Stadium for the USL W National Championship on July 18 and ends Minnesota’s 14-0 run, leaving the Aurora 14-1 for 2026.