Illinois State fans can get their first look at the 2019 Redbird soccer team this Saturday, Aug. 10, as they take on SIUE in an exhibition match at Adelaide Street Field. Kickoff with the Cougars is set for 3 p.m.
In head coach Brad Silvey's third season, the Redbirds return 22 out of 24 players and over 75% of its scoring from the 2018 squad. Senior Kate Del Fava and junior Abby Basler led the team with five goals each last season, with Basler leading the team in points (14) and assists (4) as well. Senior goalkeeper Haley Smith will be back between the posts for the 'Birds, entering the season with 261 career saves in 62 games played.
The exhibition match will not be streamed, but fans can follow along on Twitter for in-game updates.
SIUE – What You Need to Know
The Cougars, who finished 6-9-2 (4-5-1 OVC) during the 2018 campaign, were picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference, as announced by the conference on Thursday morning. Junior midfielder Andrea Frerker led the Cougars with nine points and four goals last season while junior goalkeeper Jensen Schoch made 76 saves in 16 games in goal.
Derek Burton is entering his 11th season as SIUE's women's soccer head coach with an overall record of 77-82-23.
Promotions
Saturday's match will be held in conjunction with Youth Soccer Day. The day's events feature Reggie's Kids Club activities on the concourse, an Icee concession special, postgame autographs for Redbird fans and the opportunity to score a goal on Reggie Redbird at halftime.
Following the conclusion of the match, all kids in attendance are invited to partake in the inaugural "100 Kids vs. Redbird Soccer" promotion to scrimmage the soccer team on the pitch.
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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.
