Illinois State Enters Second Half of Missouri Valley Conference Games

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics 

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer comes off a 1-0 win against conference opponent Belmont on Thursday, improving its record to 9-2-3. The Redbirds now prepare to take on the Indiana State Sycamores on Sunday. 

The Redbirds currently sit second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 4-1 conference record following their most recent win. Indiana State sits two places below Illinois State with 2-1-2 in conference record, and 7-2-5 overall record. 

The two teams have a long history, as Sunday’s match will mark the 33rd meeting between the programs. Illinois State hold the advantage in the all-time series record, with a 22-9-1 record against the Sycamores. However, when the teams last met in 2025, Indiana State came away with a 1-0 victory. 

Illinois State looks to continue their winning ways at home. The Redbirds have gone unbeaten in their last 14 home games. This is the third-longest streak in program history, and the eighth-longest active streak in Division 1. 

Illinois State has played complementary soccer during conference play. Their offense has recorded 10 points in the five conference games, while the defense has allowed one goal. The teams balanced play has proved successful as the team has lost only two games in the past two months. 

Goalkeeper Madi Valenti continues to build on her historic career. She enters this match with 24 career shutouts, second all-time in program history. She also has the highest save percentage in the conference. 

Illinois State soccer will honor 11 players before Sunday’s Senior Night match. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Oct. 18. 

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