Redbirds’ Soccer Rollercoaster Week: Northwestern Loss Followed by Western Illinois Win

Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics 

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer had a mixed week. It lost 4-0 to Northwestern on Thursday night at Adelaide Street Field but bounced back with a 1-0 win on the road against Western Illinois on Sunday.

Against Northwestern (4-2-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten), the Redbirds (1-3-1, 0-0-0 MVC) struggled to slow down a strong Wildcats offense that scored in the 14th, 36th, 63rd, and 77th minutes. Illinois State fell behind early, down 1-0 just 14 minutes in, and couldn’t recover. Northwestern outshot the Redbirds 13-5, limiting their chances to get back into the game.

Junior Abby Hall led the Redbirds with two shots, including one on target in the 70th minute. Sophomore Aniya Seymore also got a shot on goal in the 78th minute, but Northwestern’s defense held firm. Despite the scoreline, goalkeeper Madi Valenti had a solid game, making several standout saves. She made a diving stop in the 30th minute and stretched to deflect another shot in the 37th. Valenti finished with five saves, including four in the first half.

The Redbirds turned things around on Sunday, securing their first road win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Western Illinois (0-5-0, 0-0-0 OVC) in Macomb. Freshman Chloe Cline scored her second goal of the season in the ninth minute, finishing off a well-placed corner kick from Jade Rehberger. Abby Hall also picked up her first assist as a Redbird, showcasing a more aggressive Illinois State team that initially controlled the game.

Illinois State dominated possession and created numerous chances, outshooting Western Illinois 17-4, with 11 of those shots on target. They also earned 10 corner kicks, marking the second time they’ve hit double digits in that stat this season. Coming off a tough game against Northwestern, Valenti made three saves to earn her second shutout of the year, including a key stop on a late free kick just outside the box.