Utah United women to host USL W League championship after 1-0 win over Minnesota Aurora FC
Ellie Walbruch scored in the 47th minute, when McKenzie Evans Tostado slid a one-touch pass into the penalty box that the BYU forward guided into the back of the net.
By: Utah United media services
EAGAN, Minn. (July 12, 2025) — Utah United isn’t done yet.
The first-year USL W League expansion side punched its ticket to the league championship Saturday night, when Ellie Walbruch scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time and Taylor Rath made it stand up in a 1-0 win over Minnesota Aurora FC at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota.
Walbruch scored in the 47th minute, when McKenzie Evans Tostado slid a one-touch pass into the penalty box that the BYU forward guided into the back of the net.
It was the fifth goal of the season for Walbruch, who played in just four matches in the regular season before an injury.
On Saturday night, the forward from Highland, Utah, was as good as new — and her defense, perhaps, even better.
Rath, the rising senior graduate transfer at Utah State, collected the club’s seventh shutout of the year and Connecticut-bound center back Kaitlyn Richins led a back line to consecutive postseason clean sheets.
Quotable: Utah United forward Ellie Walbruch
“It feels amazing, especially with this being our fast year in the USL. It’s been an awesome experience, and we’re so grateful to be here. It was amazing to score my first goal here, and credit to my teammates for getting me into that position.
“I’m excited for the natty, to play for it back in Utah.”
Quotable: Utah United head coach Scott Halasz
“Another amazing performance from the group. This group loves to compete. For many, playing in front of 5,500 fans can intimidating, especially for the first time. When that whistle blew to start the game, they were completely unfazed by what stood in front of them. It was time to compete and what a job they did. It was an experience we will all remember for a long time.
“This group was originally put together with the thought that pulling together some of the top talent in Utah on one team we could do something fun and special: Provide a fun and competitive training environment and games for these women for two months. In doing so, they got to stay sharp, receive opportunities to train with our local NWSL club, and play in front of scouts and agents — all which will help them move on after college.
“To accomplish those things along with playing in the USL W Championship in our inaugural season is just amazing. This Saturday, we get one last chance to compete together. Fortunately, we get to do that at home. We hope the community comes out and gets behind this group of women one last time for the season.”
Next up
Utah United (9-1) will host the USL W League championship match Saturday, July 19 against defending champion NC Courage U23.
The Courage (10-0) advanced to their third consecutive league final with a 2-1 road win over Asheville City SC.
Kickoff time and additional match details will be announced when finalized.
