Repeat Heartland Division Champions: Minnesota Aurora Wins Division for Second Year in a Row and Advances to the Playoffs with 2-0 Win Over Bavarian United SC

Milwaukee, Wis. – With their 2-0 win over Bavarian United, Minnesota Aurora is the 2023 Heartland Division Champions and will advance to the USL W League playoffs. 

After a handball by Bavarian United, Aurora’s Maya Hansen converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute. Hansen beat goalkeeper Chloe Olson with a powerful shot to the upper right corner of the net for the 1-0 lead. 

“We knew Bavarian United was going to be a good opponent, so we came in prepared but confident that we would get the job done and clinch that playoff spot,” said Star Tribune Star of the Game Maya Hansen. “We’re proud of all the hard work we put in, and seeing that pay off is really rewarding.”

Aurora’s second and final goal came in the 48th minute. Sophie French held the ball on the left side of the attack, and as French was swarmed by Bavarian defenders, she poked the ball to Mariah Nguyen. With Bavarian United’s defense pulled to the left, Nguyen switched the point of attack and found Hansen for 2-0. 

Hansen’s brace puts her at 10 goals this season. Hansen and Hannah Adler are tied for Aurora’s leading scorer. 

Now, the team looks forward to the USL W League playoffs. 

“Everything we do from here on out is to prepare for playoffs, whether that means giving some players rest or continuing to push areas of growth to win that first playoff game. That’s our mindset, whatever it takes to prepare us to win that first game,” said Head Coach Nicole Lukic. 

Minnesota Aurora’s next game is away against the Green Bay Glory on June 29. The team will return home to close out their regular season on July 1 at 4 p.m. CT against Chicago City SC.

Schedule and ticket information can be found at mnaurora.com. Home matches are aired on Fox 9+.