NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's soccer team (3-5-2) will host UMKC (4-5-1) Friday night at Adelaide Street Field before getting on the road to face Western Illinois (1-8-0) Sunday afternoon. Friday night kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and Sunday's match will begin at 2 p.m. Â
Fans can follow along with UMKC via live stats and watch live with The Valley on ESPN3. The Western Illinois game can be followed via live stats and with a subscription to Fighting Leatherneck All-Access TV. The Redbird Twitter account will also have in-game updates, @Redbird_Soccer.
UMKC – What You Need to Know
The Kangaroos are coming off back-to-back wins against Missouri State and South Dakota. UMKC beat Missouri State in Springfield, 4-0, last week and defeated South Dakota at home, 2-0, two days later. The Roos will begin conference play in the Western Athletic Conference on October 6, when they host Utah Valley at home. UMKC is led by offensive powerhouse Junior Lexie Howard, who has six goals and three assists on the season so far, leading the team with 15 points. Junior Kelsey Mothershead isn't far behind with three goals and three assists, and she leads the team with 33 shots. Junior Anna Lillig and sophomore Erin Roth are between the pipes for the Roos, with 42 saves on the season between them.
Western Illinois – What You Need to Know
The Leathernecks are coming off a 2-1 loss at home against Drake as they head into their first conference match against Oral Roberts Friday night as part of the Summit League. Sophomore Bianca Romay leads the team offensively with three goals and two assists for seven points, while junior Madeline Edwards leads the team with 23 shots. Sophomore Ines Palmiero Herrera and senior Jennifer Currie post up in goal for Western, with 44 saves on the season between them.
Last Time Out
ISU fell, 1-0, in overtime to open conference play at UNI (8-1-1) last week. This was the third match of the season that went to overtime for the Redbirds. The match started slow for both teams, going without any offensive stats until near the 20-minute mark. The Redbirds went into the half being outshot by the Panthers 4-5. The second half was all about patience and possession, as ISU found their rhythm and outshot UNI 7-3. There were multiple dangerous opportunities around the 18 for the Redbirds throughout the second half, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The ISU backline continued to build throughout the match, holding the opponent without a goal for the full 90 minutes for the third match in a row. This was the first match of the season that UNI did not score in regulation. The game-winner came in the 91st minute from junior Brynell Yount, as she was able to get around the defender and hit the far post from 12 yards out.
Promotions
Friday night is Local Heroes Night for Redbird Soccer. The Redbirds will honor Army Ranger Sgt. Joshua Rodgers who passed away this April in the Nangarhar Province. Joshua's sister, Hannah Rodgers, is currently a senior forward for Illinois State. All veterans and local heroes will be recognized during the match. In addition, there will be a tug of war competition that is open to the public. Teams should consist of 6 members and are to check in at the red tent inside of the facility. Anyone can enter a team but they must be signed up by the 30-minute mark of the first half. The winning team will receive t-shirt prizes. There is no prior registration needed but spots are limited. It is also $1 hot dog night and admission is always free at Adelaide Street Field.
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