Illinois State (5-4-2) is ready to face off with Missouri State (6-5) to open Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday. Kickoff at Adelaide Street Field is set for 2 p.m. The Redbirds will look to continue their three-game win streak and remain undefeated at home.
The Redbirds lead the all-time series with the Bears,16-8-9. The last meeting between the two resulted in a 2-0 Missouri State victory in the final game of the 2017 regular season.
The match will be streamed through The Valley on ESPN on ESPN3. Fans can follow along with live stats or @Redbird_Soccer on Twitter for in-game updates.Â
Missouri State – What You Need to Know
The Bears fell to Oral Roberts (5-6), 3-2, in an overtime heartbreaker last Sunday. After giving up a goal in the first five minutes of play, Missouri State rallied back in the second half to take the lead with junior Olina Einarsdottir and sophomore Emma Skornia netting goals in the 63rd and 68th minute, respectively. The Golden Eagles would even the score in the 88th minute to force an overtime period and then score the golden goal in the 99th minute. Missouri State goalkeeper Kaitlyn Maxwell had five saves on the day for the Bears.
Six different Bears have found the back of the net so far this season, with freshman Kennady Orlick leading the team with three goals. Sophomore Kaitlyn Maxwell is averaging 5.5 saves per game between the pipes.
Last Time Out
The Redbirds won their third straight with a thrilling 4-1 victory over Western Illinois (2-6-1) on Wednesday night in Normal. Illinois State leads the all-time series with the Leathernecks, 4-2-2, and remain undefeated at Adelaide Street Field this season. Juniors Kate Del Fava and Alix McArthur each netted goals in the first half while freshman Hannah Mueller recorded a brace in the second half to solidify the Redbird triumph. Junior Haley Smith had six saves in goal.
Promotions
Fans are encouraged to come out and help Redbird soccer "Pack the Pitch" as they attempt to break an attendance record. The first 150 students in attendance will receive a Redbird-themed Harry Potter scarf in honor of Harry Potter's 20th anniversary and concessions will be selling Butter Beer Popcorn. Saturday's match will also feature a RB4L Reunion. Illinois State soccer alum are invited to return for a special tailgate, halftime recognition, and tours of facilities. Post-game, players, friends and family will gather around the entrance to Adelaide Street Field and pay tribute to former Redbird player Julie Heidecke in an annual ceremony.
For all the latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
