Redbirds Begin Conference Play With an Unbeaten Record of 1-0-2

NORMAL, Ill- Illinois State Soccer has begun their conference play with a record of 1-0-2 in 3 games played and no losses. ISU faced off against Murray State, Valparaiso, and Southern Illinois. They tied 1-1 with Murray State, tied 0-0 with Valparaiso, and beat Southern Illinois 2-0.

The conference schedule began with Murray State coming into town for a Thursday night matchup. Murray State found the scoreboard first in the 30th minute, going up 1-0. Not long after that, Kaya Durkee deflected a ball off of a Murray State defender, resulting in an own goal for the Racers, evening the score at 1 a piece. This would end up being the final score putting the Redbirds conference record at 0-0-1.

Illinois State Soccer then traveled out to Valparaiso for a clash with the Beacons on the road. This game was a defensive battle with both goalkeepers holding strong the whole game. Madi Valenti was the goalkeeper for ISU, staying in the whole game and allowing no goals along with the Beacons goalkeeper, resulting in a 0-0 draw. ISU’s record would then sit at 0-0-2.

The Redbirds got their first win of conference play against Southern Illinois on Sunday with a 2-0 win in Carbondale. ISU got on the board early, getting a goal from Danica Key in the 16th minute then getting a goal from Rylie Monahan in the 76th minute which was her first of the year. This capped off an unbeaten start to conference play for the Redbirds as they continue to build momentum going into the middle of the season.

The Birds’ overall record on the season now sits at 4-4-5 and a conference record of 1-0-2. Their next game will be Sunday, October 5th at home against Evansville at 1 pm.

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