McLean County Times

Illinois State Soccer is returning to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament for the first time since 2021. The Redbirds, seeded seventh, will face sixth-seeded Northern Iowa (UNI) in the opening round at Flames Field in Chicago, Illinois. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.

The winner of Thursday's match will proceed to play against host UIC on Sunday at 4 p.m.

In their most recent encounter, Illinois State and UNI ended in a 1-1 draw last week at Adelaide Street Field. Ellie Arnold scored for Illinois State in the 34th minute, while UNI equalized in the 80th minute. This upcoming match marks their third meeting in the MVC Tournament and their first since 2021 when Illinois State advanced after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 tie. UNI had previously defeated Illinois State 1-0 during the quarterfinals of the 2017 MVC Tournament.

Historically, Illinois State has claimed seven MVC Tournament titles, tying with Evansville for the most in conference history. However, they have not won a title since 2016. Their record includes 19 all-time MVC Tournament wins, placing them third behind Evansville and Creighton. The Redbirds aim to become the first No.7 seed to win a game at this tournament as they have yet to achieve a victory as a lower seed with an existing record of zero wins, eight losses, and two ties.

Freshmen Eiley Henderson and Eve Gricius have been instrumental for Illinois State during Valley play this season. Both players are tied for leading scorers on their team with two goals each and five total points each from two goals and one assist—all within MVC play. They are also tied for third place among freshmen point scorers in Valley play this season with five points apiece.

Henderson distinguished herself by being the first true freshman in the Valley this year to register both a goal and an assist during an MVC game against Indiana State on October 13.

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