Langdok Captains Aurora FC During Historic, Inaugural Season

MINNEAPOLIS - Former Golden Gophers soccer standout Makenzie Langdok is making a mark on the professional scene playing close to home for Minnesota Aurora FC during its inaugural season this summer.

The St. Michael, Minn., native currently serves as team captain and has been a major contributor in the team's success. After picking up a draw in its first match of the season May 26, the team has not lost and is riding a 13-match winning streak heading into the USL W League's championship, which it will host at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minn., July 23. The unbeaten run through the regular season had Minnesota atop the Heartland Division table before back-to-back playoff wins earned a spot in the title match.

"I wanted to keep playing soccer at a high level, especially in my home state, so it was really a no-brainer for me to play here," Langdok said of her joining Aurora. "The first couple training sessions, I feel like I stepped up and established myself as a leader, so it was cool for me to be named a captain by my teammates and coaches. It's such a privilege to be able to lead this team and be a part of this program."

Langdok is currently tied for second on the team with 10 points in 13 appearances totaling four goals and two assists heading into the league championship. That scoring mark tops her career-best, single-season goal total from college when she tallied three during her final season at Minnesota in 2021. Langdok buried the game-winning goal in Minnesota Aurora's first-ever home victory June 10 against Chicago City SC. A week later against the same opponent, the former Gopher was named Star Tribune Star of the Game behind a goal from the penalty spot that pulled her side even in the 68th minute.

"I wasn't a goal scorer, even when I played forward, at Minnesota. Honestly, I've just found myself in good positions to score at Aurora. My coaches give me the freedom to get forward and join in the attack when I can. I have found myself playing free and not being hesitant to push forward. It says a lot about our team, how many people we've had scoring goals. It makes us hard to play against; not having just one or two big goal scorers, but a lot that can score."

The defender took advantage of an extra collegiate year in 2021 and closed her career with the Maroon & Gold earning a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Third Team. She helped anchor a back line that recorded nine shutouts and held opponents to less than a goal per game. That trend has continued in 2022 as her side has conceded just eight goals in 14 outings and she has played more than 1,000 minutes on the field, including all 180 minutes of the postseason up to this point.

"I have to give a lot of credit to the Gophers' coaching staff. I grew so much as a player and in my love for the game during my fifth season. I also grew as a person in my time at Minnesota over five years. I saw the most growth and belief in myself this last year and that is really why I wanted to keep playing. I had so much fun my last season as a Gopher and I wanted to keep that rolling. I'm super thankful to Coach Chastain and the staff for helping me love the game again."

Langdok and her teammates took the field for the first time May 26 in the franchise's inaugural match at TCO Stadium in front of a sellout crowd. Fans have continued to come out in droves all season long, showcased by capacity crowds (6,200) during the first two playoff matches in Eagan. Saturday's league championship tilt won't be any different as tickets sold out in less than 24 hours after Minnesota's semifinal victory.

"When we sold as many tickets as we did for the very first game, we were a little bit nervous. We had only been training for a short time, so the nerves were really high. Since then, we have been able to settle in. It's just been awesome to see the support that women's soccer is getting, and I am excited to see it continue for teams like the Gophers. Once our season is done, all these fans will want to keep watching women's soccer and the Gophers are a great chance to do that. It's been really cool to see the game grow for women here."

An important part of growing the game is reaching the next generation of soccer players and Langdok has embraced that opportunity with Minnesota Aurora FC.
Langdok MN Aurora

"It's been incredible to be a role model for girls growing up here. Honestly, that's one of the best parts of the game. Obviously, I love playing soccer and my team, but it's been so fun to stay after our games and sign autographs and have those interactions with girls and boys that want to watch soccer. That's been one of the most rewarding parts for me."

Minnesota began play in 2022 in the new USL W League as one of the founding members of the new pre-professional league. The USL W League strives to use women's soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity and career development.

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Makenzie Langdok