Salmon Bay FC is headed to the USL W League National Final after defeating Minnesota Aurora in a penalty shootout Sunday at Interbay Stadium.
The semifinal ended 1-1 after extra time before Salmon Bay prevailed in the shootout, ending Minnesota’s previously unbeaten season and earning the right to host the championship match.
According to the club, Minnesota opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Ai Kitagawa converted a penalty kick.
Salmon Bay controlled much of the second half while searching for an equalizer. Goalkeeper Elena Milam made a key save in the 55th minute to keep the deficit at one goal, and Minnesota goalkeeper Taylor Fox denied several Salmon Bay chances throughout regulation.
The breakthrough came late in the match when Salmon Bay was awarded a penalty in the 88th minute after a collision between Fox and Jourdyn Curran in the penalty area. Ui Kaaihue converted from the spot to tie the match 1-1 as regulation came to a close.
The teams remained deadlocked through extra time. Minnesota was reduced to 10 players in the 103rd minute after Flavie Dube received a second yellow card, but Salmon Bay was unable to find a winning goal before the match moved to penalties.
In the shootout, Milam made two saves, including one immediately after missing her own penalty attempt. Fox later missed Minnesota’s fifth penalty, allowing Salmon Bay defender Anna Menti to clinch the victory. Menti converted the decisive kick after her shot deflected off Fox and into the net.
The result sends Salmon Bay FC to its first USL W League National Final.
The club will host the championship match against Vermont Green on Saturday, July 18, at 5 p.m. at Interbay Stadium.
Photos: Salmon Bay FC