Illinois State Soccer Looks to Finish Regular Season On High Note Against Valparaiso

Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics / Story by Rafe English

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer closes out its regular season this afternoon at 1:00pm, where they will host Valparaiso in a matchup to determine final seeding in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Adelaide Street Field.

Coming into this matchup, the Redbirds sit at 9-3-5 overall with 4-2-2 record in conference play.

Coming off a 1-0 win over Drake last week, Illinois State has already clinched a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. However, a win today would secure the No. 3 seed and home-field advantage.

Valparaiso still has a chance to reach the postseason as it fights for a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Beacons enter the match with a 6-8-3 record and sit just outside the top six. A win, combined with either an Indiana State or Belmont draw or loss, would send Valparaiso into the postseason.

The Redbirds will need to watch out for Valparaiso’s attacking duo of Martha Goddard and Kiara Desiderio. The duo has helped lead a Beacons offense that has scored 26 goals this season.

However, it will not be easy for the Beacons.

In goal, Illinois State’s Madi Valenti has been a consistent presence for the Redbirds. She has allowed just 0.71 goals per game and holds a .840 save percentage.

Illinois State holds an 8-3-3 advantage in the all-time series. However, the last four meetings have been closely contested, with three ending in draws.

For all things Redbird Soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com