Sept. 14, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Traveling to Champagin and Dekalb, Ill. for two games this weekend, the Illinois State women's soccer team is anticipating the competition. Friday, the Redbirds will play Illinois at 7 p.m., and will then board the bus for Dekalb, as ISU takes on Northern Illinois for a 4 p.m. Sunday matchup.
Meeting annually since the first game in 1998, the rivalry between Illinois and Illinois State is heightened by the proximity of the two schools and the annual success of each program. Though Illinois leads the series 4-2-1, Illinois State is still riding high from last season's home win over the Illini. Meghan Boler's lone goal of the game lifted the `Birds over the Illini, 1-0 on September 23, 2004.
Illinois proves to be a daunting opponent, however, as they were picked to finish 13th in the preseason NSCAA/adidas National Poll. The Illini, who boast a record of 3-1-2, are coming off a Sept. 11 win over San Francisco, but have fallen from the rankings, though still receiving votes. Illinois is recognized, however, in the Soccer Buzz poll, as the Illini are ranked 26th.
Illinois State head coach Pete Kowall looks to the Illinois rivalry on Friday as a sort of "bait" for his team.
"Illinois is a good rivalry game for us," said Kowall. "They are a ranked opponent, depending on which poll you look at, and I'm sure it will be a close game. This is a good carrot to hold in front of the girls to make them reach for what they know they are capable of. Illinois will be one of the best teams we will play."
Last season was the only year since the induction of the Illinois State women's soccer program in 1996 that the Redbirds did not face the Huskies of Northern Illinois. This storied, in-state rivalry picks up again Sunday as the `Birds travel to DeKalb, Ill. for the ninth meeting between the teams. Through eight games, Illinois State leads the series 5-3-0.
The Huskies lost a Sept. 11 game at Drake, 1-0, and own a 2-3-1 record overall. They won their season opener 2-1, against UW-Green Bay and were also victorious at Depaul on Sept. 4, defeating the Blue Demons 1-0.
Kowall also expects a close game from Northern Illinois.
"Northern has become a good rivalry for us," said Kowall. "We always have a close game with them and it will be difficult to beat them at their home field. Also, they have a new coach, so they'll play hard and they will be organized.
"Anything can happen this weekend," added Kowall. "We need to be prepared for whatever happens. Two great games and two good challenges for our team this weekend...we're looking forward to it."
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