Redbirds Open Conference Play Friday, Host IUPUI Sunday

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NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer team opens Missouri Valley Conference play Friday at Adelaide Street Field against Indiana State at 7 p.m. The Redbirds then welcome IUPUI Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.

Fans can follow along to Friday's match with live stats and Twitter updates. The game will not be streamed on ESPN3 due to conflicting athletic events. Sunday's match will be streamed on ESPN3 with live stats and Twitter updates.

Last Time Out
The Redbirds earned their first draw of the season in a scoreless tie at Northern Illinois last Sunday. Possession throughout the match was equally played on both sides of the ball, though the Redbirds had more offensive presence, finishing the contest with 15 shots to NIU's five. Sophomore Kiley Czerwinski and senior Lauren Koehl each tallied three shots.

Indiana State
2016 Season: 4-6-0 (0-0-0 MVC)
When: Friday, Sept. 23 – 7 p.m.
Where: Normal, Ill. (Adelaide Street Field)
Series History: ISU leads 18-3
Last Meeting: Oct. 29, 2015, Illinois State 4, Indiana State 3, in Terre Haute.
What You Need to Know: The Sycamores are coming off a weekend in Ohio where they suffered two tough losses to Kent State and Toledo. The matches proved to be physical, as Indiana State recorded 22 fouls between the two matches while their opponents had 27. The Sycamores were picked to finish seventh in the league while senior Maddie Orf was named to the MVC Preseason Team. Orf currently leads the team with three goals, along with sophomore Katie Wells, who leads the team with four assists and 10 points.

IUPUI
2016 Season: 6-3-1
When: Sunday, Sept. 25 – 1 p.m.
Where: Normal, Ill. (Adelaide Street Field)
Series History: First meeting
What You Need To Know: The Jaguars are coming off a two-game win streak. Freshman goalkeeper Sophia Lipka was named Summit League Defensive Player of the Week last week, after helping the Jaguars to wins over Evansville and Xavier in her first two career starts. Seniors Catherine Raster and Tori Minnich lead the team with five goals apiece while sophomore Maryna Clark leads the team with eight assists.

Promotions
Friday: Friday is the annual Pink Game, "Kickin' Out Cancer," to raise awareness for breast cancer and breast cancer research. Longtime Redbird fan Halle Bloom and her family will be honored at halftime along with other cancer survivors in attendance. Admission to the game is free and fans are encouraged to wear their pink Redbird gear, as the team will be wearing pink jerseys in honor of the event. There will be $1 pink lemonade and sugar cookies for sale. Players will also be signing autographs after the game
Sunday: Sunday is Reggie's Kids Club Day. The first 100 Reggie's Kids Club members to RSVP for Reggie's Kids Club Day will receive a lunch bag and a slice of Papa John's Pizza. Advance registration by Reggie's Kids Club members for this special event is required by Sept. 23 in order to receive one of 100 free lunch bags and Papa John's Pizza. Parents can RSVP by clicking here. Lunch bags and pizza will be available for pickup at the Kids Club Fun Zone from 12-1 p.m.

Up Next
After this weekend, the Redbirds return to action on the road, when they travel to Chicago Friday, Oct. 1 to take on Chicago State at 3 p.m.

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