McLean County Times

Illinois State Soccer is aiming to secure a place in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament as they conclude their regular season with two home games. The Redbirds, currently holding a 5-8-3 overall record and 3-3-2 in the MVC, will face Missouri State on Thursday, followed by a match against UNI on Sunday at Adelaide Street Field.

A victory or a loss by Murray State in the remaining games would ensure Illinois State's first appearance in the MVC Tournament since the spring of 2020-21.

Historically, Illinois State has been successful against Missouri State, leading their all-time series 23-9-9. However, Missouri State ended Illinois State's seven-game winning streak last season with a 4-1 victory. At Adelaide Street Field, Illinois State holds a 12-4-2 advantage over Missouri State.

The Redbirds also lead UNI 16-9-1 all-time but have not defeated them since the spring of 2021. Last season, UNI secured an 8-1 win over Illinois State. The Redbirds maintain a narrow edge at home with a 6-5-1 record against UNI.

This season has seen several players scoring their first career goals for Illinois State. Kennedy Herman joined this group with her decisive goal against Evansville. Other players who scored their first goals include Chloe Cline, Sammi Cenek, Eiley Henderson, Eve Gricius, Aniya Seymore, and Abby Hall.

Goalkeeper Madi Valenti has been instrumental in achieving four shutouts on the road this season for Illinois State. This marks the most shutouts by a Redbird goalkeeper in a single season since 2019 and ties Valenti with three other MVC goalkeepers for road shutouts this year.

The Redbirds have achieved five road shutouts since the start of the previous season, with four occurring this year alone.

For more information about tickets and merchandise related to Illinois State sports events, visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.