NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's soccer team is gearing up for its upcoming season and the second season under head coach Brad Silvey. Last year, the Redbirds finished the season with a 9-9-2 record, going 3-4 in Missouri Valley Conference play. Fans can get their first look at the 2018 squad this Sunday, Aug. 12, as they take on Iowa in an exhibition match at Adelaide Street Field at 1 p.m.
"Both our team and staff are growing with excitement in anticipation for the 2018 season," said Silvey. "The work rate, buy-in and commitment levels have been at an all-time high for the past six months. There is an eagerness and a drive within our program right now as everyone knows we have something to prove this fall. We saw a lot of growth within our overall performance and team culture throughout the offseason, so now we look forward in putting it to the test."
Illinois State lost seven seniors last year, including two-time All-MVC First Team honoree Kelli Zickert and All-MVC Second Team selection Emily Dickman. Zickert is currently playing professionally and was the first American player to sign with Swedish soccer team Domsjö IF. Moving forward, the Redbirds will have 16 returners from last year's team with 10 of them having seen significant playing time during the 2017 season.
Key offensive players returning include junior forward and All-MVC honorable mention Mikayla Unger who tallied four goals and two assists last season, sophomore forward and a member of the MVC All-Freshman Team Sarah LaFayette, who recorded four goals and one assist, and senior forward Angel Krell, who added three goals of her own during the 2017 campaign. Redshirt sophomore midfielder Abby Basler will also make her return this season, after sitting out the 2017 season. Previously, Basler had notched five goals and three assists in her freshman year.
At midfield, junior Megan McEachern, MVC All-Freshman Team selection sophomore Ashley Santos, and All-MVC First Team selection junior Kate Del Fava all return, each having played in all 20 games last season. Kiley Czerwinski, the team's top returner in career assists, also will return to the pitch.
Illinois State brings back a strong defense in sophomore Alissa Ramsden, junior Emily Adelman, and junior Brittany Paganucci. Junior goalkeeper Haley Smith returns after collecting 83 saves during the 2017 campaign, as well as posting a .798 save percentage. In a group effort last year, the defense helped record eight shutouts.
Eight new players will wear the Redbird uniform this season, including seven freshman and sophomore Kentucky transfer Tate Barney. "There is no doubt we will need immediate contributions from our incoming class, and I am confident we have the right players and personalities within this group to fill those roles," said Silvey. "This is a very talented, diverse and experienced class that have all played at extremely high levels of competition year-round. We look forward to their added influence within our program."
Illinois State's regular season begins Aug. 16, as the Redbirds will host CSUN at Adelaide Street Field at 7 p.m. Admission to all regular season home games are free.
For all the latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
