NORMAL, Ill. – After almost two full weeks of preseason workouts, the Illinois State soccer team is ready for action. The Redbirds earned a draw Sunday in Milwaukee in an exhibition match, and will play for real this Friday, Aug. 19, in their season opener against Big Ten foe Wisconsin at Adelaide Street Field, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
"It has been a productive preseason so far," head coach Eric Golz said. "The team did a great job in their fitness and technical preparation for camp so we have been able to accelerate our training. We feel good about the growing culture and competition within the team, the leadership group is developing nicely. Overall, we are in a good place for this time of year. We know we have a lot of growth yet to come but feel good about the foundation that has been laid during preseason."
The Redbirds will play 10 home matches this season, including six nonconference contests throughout August and September, before starting Missouri Valley Conference play at the end of September. The Redbirds will host four conference matches this season, starting with Indiana State Sept. 23 and will end regular season play at home Oct. 27 against Northern Iowa.
"Our schedule is difficult, and it will certainly challenge us to grow while presenting some success and adversity. We look forward to continuing to invest in the process of our growth while doing what is necessary to compete for an MVC championship," said Golz.
Golz is entering his second season at the helm of the Redbirds. After finishing 6-10-2 last season and qualifying for the MVC Championship, the Redbirds will host the conference championship this year for the first time under Golz. The last time the Redbirds hosted in 2014, they went on to win it all and advance to the NCAA tournament.
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