REDBIRDS RETURN HOME AFTER LOSS

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — The Redbirds lost for the first time this season, after a 1-0 road match against Loyola Chicago this past Sunday. With a record of 2-1-2, the Redbirds return home as they prepare to take on the Saint Louis Billikens this Thursday.

The two teams faced off last season, with the game ending in a 0-0 tie. The last time the Redbirds walked away with a win over the Billikens was in 2013, where the Redbirds outscored Saint Louis 4-1 at home.

Despite their hot start to the season, the Redbirds have slowed on offense, collecting five goals in five games. Rylann Law, who scored in the first two games of the season, has yet to find the net in her last three games, despite still leading the team in goals.

The Redbird defense has been a large factor in the team’s success, headlined by goalkeeper Madi Valenti. Valenti finds herself top five in program history for career shutouts and saves. This season she has made 13 saves, and averages one goal allowed per game.

The Billikens start their season 3-1-1 after dropping their first game to Alabama. Junior forward Audrey Smith leads the team with four goals this season, most recently adding a goal against Indiana, helping her earn the Atlantic 10 Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

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