Illinois State Soccer Win Back-to-Back Conference Games
Written by Jack Morris on September 27, 2026
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer earned its fourth straight road win after beating the UIC Flames 2-0 in Chicago on Sunday. With the win, the Redbirds did not lose a single game in September, going 5-0-1 and outscoring their opponents 11-2.
After losing to UIC in the Missouri Valley Conference finals last season, the Redbirds came into the game seeking revenge. Despite a good offensive effort from both teams, it looked like the first period would remain scoreless.
But with just over five minutes remaining in the half, Sosi Dadekian was awarded a penalty kick and put the ball in the bottom left corner of the net to put ISU up 1-0. The sophomore scored her first career goal, which would eventually become the game-winning goal.
The Redbirds were not satisfied with a one-goal lead and came out aggressively to start the second half. Less than ten minutes into the half, Ava Watson set herself up for a long cross, barely getting past the goalkeeper to put ISU up 2-0.
Watson has now scored her fourth goal in five games. Her first career goal came on Sept. 6 against Purdue Fort Wayne.
The Flames did their best to come back with nine shots, but none found the back of the net, and ISU would earned their first win against UIC since 2018.
The reigning MVC Goalkeeper of the Week, Madi Valenti, added to her historic resume with ISU. Valenti had six saves in the game, recording her fifth shutout of the season and the 22nd of her career.
The six saves moved her into sole possession of fourth place in program history with 202 career saves. Her 22 career shutouts are tied for third most in school history and tied for eight most in Missouri Valley Conference women’s soccer history.
ISU now has a 7-1-3 record with a five-game win streak, its longest since 2019.
Illinois State soccer will return home to Adelaide Street Field on Sunday to take on Northern Iowa. The game will also feature the jersey retirement ceremony of Rachael Tejada.
For all things Redbird Soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com
