Illinois State womens soccer team returns to action after a four day rest in Rochester, Mich., where the Redbirds are scheduled to take on the Golden Grizzlies of Oakland University at OU Soccer Field on Friday, September 13 at 4:00 p.m.
The Redbirds head into the match-up with an overall record of 2-0. The Golden Grizzlies are the 2001 Mid-Continental Conference Champions and have a 2002 overall record of 2-2, with losses to Central Michigan and Michigan State.
Oakland University has one of the better womens soccer programs in the region according to head coach Pete Kowall, and he is anxious for Fridays match-up.
Oakland is an aggressive team that likes to win, said Kowall. They are on the schedule because they are a good team and we are expecting a great game.
After Fridays game, the Redbirds will return home for the first of a seven game home streak. The Phoenix of Wisconsin-Green Bay come to Normal, Sunday, September 15 for a noon game at Adelaide Street Field. Immediately following the game, a memorial ceremony will be held at the fields entrance for former Illinois State soccer player, Julie Heidecke, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1998.
This will be an emotional day for the Redbirds as we remember Julie, said Kowall. In addition, this will be the first of a long stretch of home games, and I think a win on Sunday would start that stretch off right.
