Illinois State soccer heads to Evansville for final stretch of regular season.
Written by Connor Allyn on October 23, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer will travel to Evansville on Sunday for a Missouri Valley Conference matchup against the Purple Aces as the Redbirds push toward the final stretch of the season.
Illinois State concluded its last match with a 1-1 draw against Indiana State, but the Redbirds look to carry over some positives from from the draw to the match with the Purple Aces.
Evansville has struggled this season, entering with a 4-6-1 record overall and a 2-4 conference record.
However, Evansville goalkeeper Brianna Chirpich ranks second in the MVC with 5.50 saves per match giving the Purple Aces a strong presence in goal.
A key to victory will be the Redbirds staying alert in the defensive end.
The Redbirds hold a 21-9-6 advantage in the all‑time series. The teams played to a scoreless draw in their recent meeting on Oct. 5 2025. The last Redbirds win against was a 1-0 road victory in 2024
Sunday’s match presents an opportunity for Illinois State to gain ground in the conference standings as the regular season nears its end. The top six teams qualify for the MVC tournament while the top two seeds earn a bye into the semifinals.
Following the trip to Evansville, the Redbirds will face Drake on Sunday, Nov. 1 In Des Moines, Iowa.
For all things Redbird soccer stay tuned to WZND.com
