ST. LOUIS – For the third consecutive season the Illinois State soccer team has been selected as the preseason favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference. Accumulating six of seven first-place votes and 48 points overall, the Redbirds begin 2014 with a target on their back. The program is looking for its fourth-straight MVC Tournament crown and will be attempting to repeat as MVC regular season champions.
The Redbirds are in excellent position to build upon their past success as they enter the 2014 season. ISU is coming off of a 2013 campaign that yielded the program's fifth automatic bid, first ever advancement in the NCAA Tournament, and a 14-7-1 record (6-0 MVC). Their attack will be spearheaded by three-time MVC Player of the Year Rachel Tejada (15 G, 12 A, 2 GW), and 2013 Freshman of the Year Hannah Leinert (16 G, 6 A, 5 GW). Including these two stars, Illinois State returns eight key starters, greatly bolstering the Redbirds' hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament and fifth in the past six seasons.
Offensively, the Redbird attack will also be assisted by sophomore standout Dagny Olson, who scored six goals last season. On the defensive side, Illinois State will be led by senior Gabbi McArtor and junior Abby Van Deventer. A 2013 All-MVC Second Team honoree, Van Deventer will anchor a defense that surrendered just .33 goals per game last season against conference foes and posted a total of seven shutouts. In goal the Redbirds are strong as well with Aryn Newsom returning. The redshirt senior is in contention to hold the program records in all-time wins and saves by year's end. Newsom was last season's MVC Goalkeeper of the Year.
After finishing a perfect 6-0 in conference play last year and relenting just two goals, the outlook is bright for Illinois State. Five players (Tejada, Leinert, Van Deventer, Olson and Newsom) were selected to the Preseason All-MVC team.
ISU's first conference match is scheduled for Sept. 28 at home against Missouri State.
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