The Illinois State womens soccer team will compete in its first conference game of the 2002 campaign Friday, September 20, at Adelaide Street Field against Northern Iowa at 4 p.m.
The Redbirds are undefeated thus far with an overall record of 4-0 and are coming off a 3-1 win last week over Wisconsin-Green Bay. The Panthers are 0-5 this season with recent losses to Colorado College and Wyoming.
Last season, Illinois State opened its conference play at Northern Iowa, beating the Panthers, 3-0.
Head coach Pete Kowall and the Redbirds are anxious to begin conference play and get into the heart of the 2002 season.
Northern Iowa is a good solid team that has faced some tough competition against teams like Iowa, Iowa State and Colorado College, said Kowall. The Panthers are a well-coached team with good players. They have proven over the years that they are tough to beat and that is how we will approach them tomorrow.
After Fridays game, the Redbirds will continue their home stretch as they host Xavier on Sunday, September 22, at Adelaide Street Field for a noon game. The last time the Illinois State faced Xavier, the Musketeers recorded a 1-0 victory over the Redbirds.
Xavier is a good, solid, all-around team with experienced players and the match-up should be exciting, added Kowall.
