What You Need to Know About 2017 Redbird Soccer

NORMAL, Ill. – The reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions are back and ready to compete once again. Here are the top five things you need to know about the Illinois State soccer team heading into the 2017 season.

1. Brad Silvey was named the fifth head coach of the 21-year old program on December 20, 2016. Silvey served as an assistant coach for two years under Eric Golz before filling the role. Prior to Illinois State, he was the head women's soccer coach at Iowa Western Community College for six seasons, where he posted a career record of 105-11-8. While at IWCC, Silvey coached one NSCAA Player of the Year, 11 NJCAA All-America team members, 16 NJCAA Academic All-Americans, and 12 NSCAA All-Americans. They were National Champions in 2013 and runner-up in 2014. Also in 2013, Silvey won NSCAA National coach of the Year.
    
2. The Redbirds, led by five seniors, have 15 returners on this year's squad, with eight of them previous starters. Offensive key returners for ISU include seniors Emily Dickman and Kelli Zickert, junior Kiley Czerwinski, who led the team in assists last season, and MVC Freshman of the Year Mikayla Unger. Unger is joined by two other 2016 All-Freshman team members, Kate Del Fava and Redbird keeper Haley Smith. The squad also grew with the addition of one transfer and eight freshmen. The newcomers bring skills that cover the entire field, with additions made in every position group from goalkeeping to forwards.
    
3. The Illinois State women's soccer team is the proud owner of 11 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles, seven MVC tournament titles, and 10 MVC players of the year. This year, they are after something special, their 12th title and fourth trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 2013, Illinois State became the first (and only) Valley school to advance to the second round. This year they have their sights set on being the first Valley team to advance to the third round. The Redbird women's soccer team owns the most Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles out of any sport team at ISU and any soccer team in the Valley, with no plans of slowing down any time soon.

            "Although we are extremely fortunate to play a part in such a storied             and successful program, we also know that everything is earned and             nothing is guaranteed," said Silvey. "We have a collection of wonderful             student-athletes that are driven and committed to our culture and             process. We are looking forward to showcasing our 2017 campaign and             taking the necessary steps to move toward our program's vision."

4. Admission to all Redbird soccer games is free! So bring a friend, bring your family, and come out to support Redbird soccer!
    
5. Promotions are coming in hot for the 2017 home season, some new, some old, and some just for fun! The home opener is set for Aug. 20 against Big Ten foe Northwestern, with another Big Ten foe a week later, facing Illinois on Aug. 27. At halftime of the Illinois game, ISU fans will attempt to break the world record for most handshakes given in 60 seconds, with the help of ISU mascot Reggie Redbird. August 27 is also the annual 'Pack the Pitch' night were ISU soccer fans try to break the attendance record, which currently sits at 1,085 from 2012. The team will celebrate their annual Heidecke Day on Sept. 17 against Miami-Ohio. Senior day will be Oct. 4 when ISU faces off against UIC. The annual pink game will be Oct. 7, opening conference play against Evansville. Some new additions to soccer promotions include a Heroes Night on Sept. 29, in honor of local fallen soldier Joshua Rodgers, who was the brother of Redbird senior Hannah Rodgers. International night has also been added to the schedule, set for Oct. 11 against Loyola. The Redbirds will wrap up their home season on Oct. 22 against Drake, which will be featured as one of many events taking part in Illinois State's Homecoming celebrations as well as an RB4L Alumni event for Redbird soccer.

The Redbirds kick off their 2017 season this Saturday, Aug. 12, at home against Milwaukee in an exhibition game. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Fans can follow @Redbird_Soccer on Twitter for team updates and more!

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