Freshman Shine for ISU Soccer Securing Win and Draw

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Redbird Soccer (3-7-3, 1-2-2 MVC) had a standout week, securing a comeback 2-1 win over Valparaiso on Thursday, followed by a 1-1 draw with Murray State on Sunday. Freshmen Eiley Henderson and Eve Gricius each netted their first collegiate goals to lead the Redbirds to victory, while sophomore Aniya Seymore scored her first career goal to salvage a draw later in the week.

Against Valparaiso (4-9-0, 0-4-0 MVC), Illinois State overcame an early 1-0 deficit. The Beacons struck in the 14th minute, but Henderson responded just five minutes later by heading in a cross from Erika Wells, who earned her first career assist. In the second half, Gricius capitalized on a through ball from Wells, beating the goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. Goalkeeper Madi Valenti made six saves, including a key stop in the 85th minute to seal the win.

On Sunday, Illinois State continued its solid play with a come-from-behind 1-1 draw against Murray State (4-5-4, 0-2-3 MVC). The Racers took a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute, but the Redbirds leveled the score late in the game when Seymore headed in a corner kick from Wells in the 86th minute. Valenti kept the Redbirds in the game with a career-high eight saves, helping Illinois State earn its second result in as many games.

Wells’ contributions were instrumental in both matches, as she became the first Redbird since 2022 to tally three assists over two games. The Redbirds also tied their season high with 17 shots and recorded 10 shots on goal in the win over Valparaiso. This marks just the second time this season that the Birds have reached double-digit shots on goal.

The Redbirds’ next matchup will be on Sunday, when the Indiana State Sycamores come to town, starting at 1 p.m.