Redbird soccer (2-4-2) is set to take on the Toledo Rockets (3-2-1) in Toledo, Ohio on Friday. Kickoff at Scott Park is set for 2 p.m. Friday's contest will be the last match in Illinois State's seven-game road trip, before returning to host a home match on Sunday for the first time in nearly a month.
These two teams have only met once before in 2012, when the Redbirds edged past the Rockets in a 1-0 shutout.
The match will be streamed on ESPN+ but requires a subscription. Fans can follow along with live stats or @Redbird_Soccer on Twitter for in-game updates.Â
Toledo – What You Need to Know
The Toledo women's soccer team most recently fell 2-1 to Detroit Mercy in a double overtime heartbreaker on Thursday afternoon. The Rockets took an early lead, thanks to a goal by senior Hannah Scafaria in the fifth minute. Detroit Mercy would score the equalizer in the 29th minute and the game-winning goal in the 108th minute to defeat Toledo in thrilling fashion. Sophomore goalkeeper Madison Perrin had five saves in goal for the Rockets.
Toledo's only other loss this year was their season-opening match to Xavier, 2-1. They have recorded wins against three opponents currently on Illinois State's schedule this year (IUPUI, UIC and Valparaiso).
Last Time Out
Illinois (5-2) edged past the Redbirds, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. The game-winning goal came in 71st minute when Illini senior Lauren Ciesla netted a goal on a cross from fellow senior Patricia George. Junior Haley Smith recorded eight saves for the Redbirds in goal and Natalie Vaughn-Low, Abby Basler, and Alissa Ramsden all tallied shots on goal.
Haley Smith was dubbed MVC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season and sixth in her career on Monday for her two phenomenal performances against Big Ten opponents last week. Smith combined for 13 saves on 30 shots faced against Illinois and Wisconsin.
For all the latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
