McLean County Times

Illinois State Soccer (2-5-1, 0-0-0 MVC) begins its Missouri Valley Conference play this week. The team will travel to Southern Illinois (4-2-2, 0-0-0 MVC) on Thursday and host Belmont (3-5-1, 0-0-0 MVC) on Sunday at Adelaide Street Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. There will be no broadcast available for Thursday's match.

The Redbirds lead the all-time series against Southern Illinois with a record of 3-1-0 since the Salukis began their inaugural season in 2019. Their first meeting occurred in the 2020-21 season, which initiated a stretch of two wins for Illinois State in their initial encounters. Last season, Illinois State secured a 1-0 victory over Southern Illinois at Adelaide Street Field.

Against Belmont, Illinois State leads the all-time series with a record of 2-1-1 but has not won in the last two meetings. Both victories over Belmont came in the year 2000 when Belmont was an affiliate member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Thursday’s game marks the conclusion of a stretch where four out of five games were played against in-state opponents for Illinois State. This season, Illinois State faces six in-state teams, tying the program record set by the squads from 1997, 1998, and 2016. The final in-state opponent this season will be UIC on October 20.

On Sunday, as part of Alumni Weekend, Illinois State will honor Julie Heidecke, known as "the 13th Redbird." Heidecke tragically lost her life in a car accident on April 29, 1998. During her time with the Redbirds, her personality and demeanor left a lasting impact on her teammates and coaches.

To commemorate Heidecke’s legacy, former head coach Pete Kowall along with the Julie Heidecke Foundation and Illinois State Athletics established an award recognizing a Redbird soccer player who exemplifies commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern for others—qualities that Heidecke embodied. Additionally, a tribute tree was planted at Adelaide Street Field’s entrance and her #13 jersey was retired. Each year during a ceremony under this tree, the newest recipient of the Heidecke Award is honored.

Fans are invited to attend the Julie Heidecke Ceremony following Sunday's game.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide sources for tickets to events at Illinois State University as well as access to multimedia content related to athletics including merchandise and photos.

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