HAMTRAMCK, Michigan (Friday, July 5, 2024) – Indy Eleven’s leading goal scorer Natalie Mitchell scored the match winner and Kate Phillips denied a penalty kick to give the Girls in Blue a 2-1 win over Minnesota Aurora FC and a trip to the USL W League Central Conference Final for the second consecutive season.
Indy Eleven will continue its title defense against the winner of tonight’s match between Detroit City FC and River Light FC on Sunday at Keyworth Stadium to crown the 2024 Central Conference Champion. Indy is now 2-1 against the Aurora in W League playoff action, winning for the second straight year.
Defender Karsyn Cherry picked the perfect time for her first Indy Eleven goal as Grace Bahr found her on a perfectly placed corner in only the third minute of action. Cherry navigated traffic at the top of the six-yard box and headed it home for the early lead. The assist was the second for Bahr in 2024.
The teams traded chances for the remainder of the first half and it wasn’t until the 66th minute when either team would find the back of the net. This time, Minnesota found the equalizer by way of a Katelyn Duong free kick.
The match winner came from Indy’s leading goal scorer Natalie Mitchell in the 82nd minute of play off Addie Chester’s second helper of the year.
It looked promising that the Girls in Blue would hold on for the win until Minnesota was awarded a penalty kick in the 89th minute. Phillips, who came into the match with one shutout in three appearances made the save to secure the victory.
Sunday’s kick is slated for 1 p.m. ET and will stream on YouTube and SportsEngine Play.
Playoff Schedule
July 5: Central Conference Final
July 12-14: W League Semifinals
July 19-21: W League Final
Minnesota Aurora FC 1:2 Indy Eleven
Friday, July 5, 2024 – 4 p.m. ET
Keyworth Stadium | Hamtramck, Mich.
Scoring Summary
IND – Karsyn Cherry (Grace Bahr) 3’
MN – Katelyn Duong 66’
IND – Natalie Mitchell (Addie Chester) 82’
Discipline Summary
MN – Catherine Rapp (caution) 74’
Indy Eleven line-up: Kate Phillips, Jenna Chatterton, Grace Bahr, Karsyn Cherry, Lizzie Sexton (Susie Soderstrom 72’), Ella Rogers (captain), Ameile Darey, Natalie Mitchell, Addie Chester, Katie Soderstrom, Maisie Whitsett (Norah Jacomen 72’)
Indy subs: Ashton Blair, Nyota Katembo, Hadley Snyder, Emily Tobin, Abby Unkraut
