Redbirds Begin Conference Play With Road Win
Written by Jack Morris on September 20, 2026
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. — The Illinois State soccer team opened Missouri Valley Conference play, shutting out Murray State on the road in a 1-0.win This marks the Redbirds third straight win on the road, and fourth straight overall win.
The game was an even back and forth with both offenses getting 14 shots throughout the 90 minutes, and neither team having dominant possession of the ball.
After a scoreless first half, the second period was scoreless until junior midfielder Ella Rentz scored her first career goal in the 74th minute, with an assist from Erika Well.
Rentz only played one game last year before suffering a season-ending injury. She also dealt with a separate injury this fall, delaying her season for almost a month.
In addition to the strong offenses, both goalkeepers made a combined 11 saves. ISU’s Madi Valenti was the catalyst in the victory forcing her 21st career shutout.
This was the fifth time the two teams have met in program history, with this being the first Redbirds win. Their previous record against the Racers was 0-2-2, with their most recent matchup last September finishing 1-1.
With this win, the Redbirds are now 6-1-3 and sit in second place on the Missouri Valley Conference Standings, closely trailing Southern Illinois.
The Redbirds now look to their next match on Sept. 27 against the UIC Flames. UIC is currently struggling with a 1-6-2 record. Illinois State has not beaten the Flames since 2018.
Their match with UIC mark the end to the team’s four-game road trip, before returning home to host Northern Iowa on Oct. 4th
For all things Redbird Soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com
