Petrie, Valenti lift Illinois State Soccer to Conference Win Over Belmont

Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics / story by Rafe English

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belmont on Thursday night at Adelaide Street Field. The match was rainy and wild, with the Redbirds narrowly earning a crucial Missouri Valley Conference win.

Grace Petrie scored the winning goal in the 40th minute, finishing a corner kick from Eve Gricius to give the Redbirds a 1-0 lead before halftime. The goal was Petrie’s second of the season.

Illinois State secured its seventh shutout of the season, thanks to goalkeeper Madi Valenti’s nine saves. Valenti’s performance marks her 24th career shutout, moving her into second place in program history.

The victory moves the Redbirds to 9-2-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play, ending a two-game losing streak against Belmont. Illinois State also extended its winning streak at Adelaide Street Field to 14 consecutive games, moving into third place in program history.

Belmont held a 15-14 edge in shots, with nine shots on target. However, Valenti and the Redbird defense stayed solid throughout the match, preserving the one-goal margin.

Illinois State will return to Adelaide Street Field on Sunday to face Indiana State at 1 p.m. The Redbirds will also celebrate their senior class before the Missouri Valley Conference match.

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