McLean County Times

Illinois State University's women's soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to seven games with a 1-0 win over the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) on Saturday in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Both teams fought for possession early in the match. Illinois State took the first shot in the 17th minute, which resulted in a corner kick. Sophomore Kaya Durkee delivered a corner that deflected off the crossbar, keeping the score level. Soon after, another corner from Durkee found senior Sammi Cenek at the back of the box. Cenek's attempt was cleared off the line by a UNI defender.

Illinois State continued to press throughout the first half. In the 39th minute, Durkee's free kick forced UNI’s goalkeeper into making her first save of the match. The Redbirds had two more shots before halftime but could not break through. At halftime, Illinois State led with six shots to UNI’s one and did not allow UNI a shot until the 35th minute.

The Redbirds started strong in the second half with four quick shots. After Rylann Law’s effort hit the crossbar, Cenek collected the rebound at the edge of the box and scored her first goal of the season, putting Illinois State ahead 1-0.

UNI responded with six shots in an attempt to equalize, but Illinois State held firm defensively to secure their ninth shutout of the season—the most since 2019 and under head coach DeRose. Redshirt sophomore Madi Valenti recorded her 13th career shutout, tying Sasha Reiber (2008-09) for fifth all-time in program history.

Illinois State outshot UNI 14-7 during this game and has now achieved double-digit shot totals in each of its last four matches, marking its longest such streak this season.

"GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos, and more."