NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State women's soccer team has another road-home split this weekend when the Redbirds visit Ball State on Friday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m. and the host Oregon on Sunday, Sept. 23, at noon. ISU has played well against Ball State in the past, owning a 4-0-1 series record. Sunday's game will be the Redbirds' first against Oregon, but also the first against a Pac-10 team.
Three-for-three The Missouri Valley Conference has awarded three offensive player of the week awards in 2007 and so far, all of them have gone to Redbirds. Junior Bethany Russ, sophomore Ammanda Wisniewski and senior Bethany Russ have each had performances that have warranted recognition from the conference and made the Redbirds the best offensive team in the MVC. As impressive a feat as three-consecutive conference honors is, it is nothing new in ISU soccer history. In 2000, the Redbirds had three different players win offensive player of the week consecutively. In 2001, the Redbirds were honored with four-straight award; three going to the same player.
Last Time Out Illinois State split a pair of game last weekend. The Redbirds lost their first game of the season to Western Illinois on Sept. 14 in overtime, 1-0. They bounced back against Morehead State on Sept. 16 when Russ scored three goals in the second half in a 4-0 triumph.
Scouting the Cardinals Ball State is 2-4-0 in 2007. After winning two of its first three games, BSU has lost its last three. The difference in the Cardinals' wins as opposed to their losses is noteworthy. They have outscored their opponents 7-2 in their two wins, but have been outscored 6-2 in their two losses, including two shutouts. Midfielder Katelyn Alexander and forward Emily Rein are tied for the team lead with five points each. Alexander has two goals, which is tied for the team-best with forward Sarah Schumacker, and an assist. Rein has a goal and a team-best three assists.
Scouting the Ducks Oregon is 4-2-0 in 2007. The Ducks' first meeting with Illinois State is part of a Midwest trip that includes a game against No. 15 Purdue on Friday, Sept. 21. Oregon entered the season ranked No. 19 by Soccer Buzz in its preseason and week one polls. Midfielder Danielle Sweeney is the catalyst of the Oregon offense. Sweeney leads the team in goals (three), assists (three) and points (nine). She is second in the Pac-10 in assists and third in both goals and points. Goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield is only a junior, but she already has logged the most shutouts in Oregon history with 14, including two this season. She has allowed five goals and made 15 saves in 2007.
