Lauwerijssen Leads REDS
(MONCTON, NB) Heidi Lauwerijssen scored twice to lead the UNB REDS in a 2-0 win over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues in Atlantic University Sport women's soccer action, Friday night in Moncton.
"Moncton has been in good form lately and were playing to keep their playoff hopes alive, so we knew tonight would be a challenge," said REDS' head coach Jon Crossland. "I thought the girls were in control and our game plan was executed well."
Lauwerijssen scored in the 21st minute to stake UNB to a 1-0 lead and again in the first minute of the second half as the REDS won their final game of the 2025 regular season.
"All week we talked about how this was the start of our playoff run," said Lauwerijssen. "If we could get the job done tonight, wed' be one step closer to achieving our season's goal."
UNB secured a second-place finish in the AUS standings with an 8-1-3 (W-L-T) record and a quarter-final bye at the upcoming AUS championship tournament, which runs Thursday through Sunday, in Sydney.
"Earning the bye was a goal for us at the beginning of the season," said Coach Crossland. "It shows we had a consistent season against all opposition."
The REDS held Moncton without a shot on goal earning a clean sheet for Breanna Habinski.
Joelle Brand gave up two goals on four shots, taking the loss.
"I wouldn't have been able to score two goals tonight with the support of my teammates," said Lauwerijssen. "The strikers, Lauren Clarke and Jillian Curtis, caused havoc on their back line with the press, and Carolina Grzesniak and Jillian Larose delivered some beautiful balls into the box that made my job much easier."
Dalhousie, one of eight teams that will wrap up the AUS regular season schedule on Saturday, will finish in first place and, like the REDS, await a to-be-determined opponent in the conference semi-finals.
"All AUS games, especially playoff games, are battles," said Crossland. "Having an extra day will, hopefully, keep us fresh and ready for our semi-final."
"It's about staying locked in," added Lauwerijssen. "Continuing to believe and making sure we finish the season the right way."
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO BY: Université de Moncton Athletics