McLean County Times

Illinois State soccer team, seeded seventh, secured a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded UNI in the opening round of the MVC Tournament. The match took place at Flames Field in Chicago on Thursday. This win advances Illinois State to face fourth-seeded UIC on Sunday at 4 p.m., with the game available on ESPN+.

The match was characterized by limited offensive opportunities due to high wind conditions during the first half. Both teams settled into their rhythm as the second half began. Erika Wells scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute. Her goal came from near the goalie box, where she outmaneuvered her defender and shot into the far corner. Wells is noted as the eighth Redbird to score their first career goal this season.

Illinois State managed to maintain their lead, marking their first win at an MVC Tournament since 2019. Madi Valenti contributed significantly with five saves in the second half, including a crucial diving stop in the 47th minute that kept UNI from scoring.

This victory makes Illinois State's women's soccer team the first seven-seed to win at an MVC Women's Soccer Tournament, breaking a previous record of zero wins for seven seeds.

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