The Illinois State womens soccer team is ready to continue Valley conference play as it hosts Drury on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m., and Southwest Missouri State on Sunday, October 6, at 12 p.m. Both games will take place at Adelaide Street Field.
The Redbirds have already recorded one victory in the Valley with a 2-0 win over Northern Iowa on September 29. However, this will be the first conference game for Drury.
Illinois State leads the series against Drury, three games to zero. Last season the Redbirds beat the Panthers 5-1, but head coach Pete Kowall is going into this game just like any other opponent.
Drury was a tough team to beat last year although the score didnt reflect it, said Kowall. Drury loves to play in this league and they always want to prove that they can play with teams in the Valley.
League play is just beginning for many teams, and it is a chance to start out brand new for many teams, added Kowall. We are going into each game respecting our opponents regardless of their record or what they have done so far this season.
The Redbirds will continue league action as they host SMS on Sunday. Last season, the Redbirds beat the Bears 4-0 in regular season, but lost to SMS in the 2001 Valley tournament, 2-0. Illinois State leads the series against SMS 6-3.
SMS is always a good team, said Kowall. They have a qulaity coaches and have special players, and are always a team we look forward to playing.
SMS will open its conference schedule against Northern Iowa on October 4.
Illinois State has an overall record of 7-1, and are 1-0 in the Valley.
