UNB blanks Moncton 2-0, clinches AUS playoffs bye

(FREDERICTON, N.B.) - UNB's Varsity Reds men's soccer team has clinched a first-round bye in the AUS championship after topping the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus 2-0 on Fredericton's BMO Field Sunday afternoon.

This is the third consecutive year that the V-Reds have clinched the first-round bye. 

It was some good news after a chilly afternoon match against Moncton. UNB came out onto the field strong and were able to set up a lot of great chances.

The first goal of the game came at 31:30 when striker Oliver Jones worked his magic and bested Moncton goalkeeper Louis Bergeron. It's Jones's eighth goal for the V-Reds this season.

UNB's second goal, and the final of the game, came around the 78th minute. That's when Shea Nordheim drove a beautiful shot into the net, this time past goalkeeper Raoul Martens.

UNB head coach Miles Pinsent says he thought his team looked in control and was able to put into place some fixes from Friday's 3-3 tie with UPEI. 

"The goals we've given up this year often haven't been because the other team has been breaking us down or exploiting weaknesses we have. It's been a matter of some slip-ups on our own part," Pinsent said. "So it might have been a nice little reminder Friday that we need to always look to play clean and tidy a few things up as we get ready for the important games in November where it's you win or you're done."

In the goal for the shutout was Aaron McMurray. Subway player of the game went to George Lawton. 

The Varsity Reds play next on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when they host Mount Allison at 7:15 p.m.

Les Aigles Bleus host Saint Mary's on Oct. 25 at 3:15 p.m.

Source: UNB Sports Information