Illinois State Soccer Regroups for Bounce Back Opportunity Against Belmont
Written by Connor Allyn on October 14, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer is looking to get back into the win column thisThursday against Belmont after suffering its first Missouri Valley Conference loss last weekend.
The Redbirds fell 1-0 to Southern Illinois on Saturday. Now, all eyes turn to Thursday’s matchup against the Bruins at Adelaide Street field.
The Bruins record this season is 6-2-4, led by star midfielder Reagan Ross.
Illinois State now sits at 8-2-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The loss to the Salukis ended the Redbirds’ six-game winning streak and seven-game unbeaten run.
Goalkeeper Madi Valenti looks to start a new streak of clean sheets this week after conceding a goal to SIU in the 9th minute. Valenti finished with five saves total and was one of the bright spots despite the loss.
If the Redbirds want to win this Thursday, they will need to generate offense. In Belmonts last game, the Bruins recorded 21 shots while limiting their opponent to seven.
Defensively, Valenti and the team need to be engaged this week to combat the Bruins’ recent offensive success.
Kickoff comes at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Adelaide Street Field.
For all things Illinois State Soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com
