Redbird Soccer Advances to MVC Championship Game

IMAGE COURTESY OF REDBIRD ATHLETICS

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer has advanced to the Missouri Valley Conference championship match after their 1-0 win over Drake on Thursday afternoon. The game will be held at Adelaide Street Field on Sunday at 1 pm, giving the Birds home field advantage.

The Redbirds had to go on the road to take on the number 1 seed, the Drake Bulldogs, in Des Moines on Thursday. They were able to pull out a gritty win after a late goal by Abby Hall. The goal came on a penalty kick in the 85th minute after a crucial mistake by the Bulldogs.

Madi Valenti was excellent once again after she was named the Missouri Conference goaltender of the year. She made 3 saves and played the whole game in the shutout.

As of right now, Sunday’s forecast is projected to be very cold and rainy in Normal. 

The Birds will take on UIC after their win against Murray State. UIC and by a score of Murray State were tied at the end of regulation by a score of 1-1 with UIC advancing on penalty kicks. The winner of the game on Sunday will get to take a trip to the NCAA tournament. It all comes down to Sunday to see if the Birds can clinch their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2016.

Locations for the NCAA women’s soccer tournament will include 64 teams with auto bids from conference tournament wins as well as at-large bids. The tournament selection show is set to be November 10th after all games are completed and the first round will begin on November 14th, giving the winner almost a week to prepare for their matchup. 

For all things Redbird Soccer, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.