Rochester FC Prepares for New Season

Minnesota Aurora looks to build on last year's title game run

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Minnesota Aurora women's soccer team is gearing up for its second season after reaching the league championship game in its inaugural year. The team held media day on Tuesday and will open the new season on May 24 against Rochester FC at TCO Stadium in Eagan.

Why it matters

The Aurora's rapid rise to success in its first season has generated excitement around the team and women's professional soccer in Minnesota. As one of the club's key rivals, Rochester FC will be looking to challenge the Aurora and prevent them from returning to the title game.

The details

The Aurora had a standout inaugural season in 2025, finishing atop the league standings before falling just short in the championship match. The team will look to build on that momentum and make another deep playoff run in 2026. Rochester FC, meanwhile, will be aiming to unseat the Aurora as the top team in the region.

  • The Aurora held its annual media day on Tuesday, February 14, 2026.
  • The Aurora will open the 2026 season on May 24, 2026 against Rochester FC.

The players

Minnesota Aurora

The Minnesota Aurora is a professional women's soccer team that plays in the United Women's Soccer league. The team had a breakout inaugural season in 2025, finishing first in the league standings before falling in the championship game.

Rochester FC

Rochester FC is a professional men's soccer team that plays in the USL Championship league. As one of Minnesota Aurora's key rivals, Rochester FC will be looking to challenge the Aurora and prevent them from returning to the league title game in 2026.

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What’s next

The Aurora and Rochester FC will meet for the first time this season on May 24 at TCO Stadium in Eagan. The match will be a key early-season test for both teams as they look to establish themselves as contenders in their respective leagues.

The takeaway

The Minnesota Aurora's rapid rise to success in its inaugural season has generated significant excitement around women's professional soccer in the state. As one of the Aurora's key rivals, Rochester FC will be looking to challenge the defending regular season champions and prevent them from returning to the league title game in 2026.