NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer team (2-5, 2-3 MVC) will take the pitch at Adelaide Street Field versus the UNI Panthers (2-2-2, 2-2-1 MVC) on Thursday afternoon in a Missouri Valley Conference match-up. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT.
Thursday's match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available. Fans can also follow along with live in-game updates on Twitter (@Redbird_Soccer).
At this time, attendance is limited to player pass list only and not open to the general public.
Last Time Out
ISU's comeback effort at Loyola Chicago fell short on Sunday, as the 'Birds dropped a 3-2 decision to the top-ranked Ramblers.
Loyola was able to gain the advantage right from the start, as Katharine Stephens scored just 20 seconds into the match. Senior Sarah LaFayette evened the score seven minutes later, slipping a ball through off a cross from fellow senior Abby Basler.
A pair of Rambler goals in the 25th and 28th minute gave home team a 3-1 lead before junior Riley O'Brien scored just before halftime unassisted.
Neither team could convert on any shots in the second half, as the game ended 3-2. Priya Gillan had two saves in goal for the Redbirds.
Redbird Record Book
Redshirt senior Abby Basler, who leads the MVC with eight points, three goals (tied with her teammate, Ashley Santos) and two assists is etching her name into several of ISU's top-10 lists. Her 17 career goals have her tied for ninth all-time, her 49 points rank 10th and her 15 career assists put her in a tie for sixth.
Heidecke Day
Thursday's game will serve as the program's annual Heidecke Day, as the team honors former soccer player Julie Heidecke. In Heidecke's one season with the Redbirds, her personality and demeanor inspired teammates and coaches and made a lasting impact on the program.
Heidecke's #13 jersey is retired and the Julie Heidecke Tribute Tree was planted in her honor at the entrance to Adelaide Street Field.
Series History
The Redbirds have a commanding lead in the all-time series with UNI, 15-6, but four of those six losses have come at Adelaide Street Field.
UNI – What You Need to Know
The Panthers is coming off a 5-0 win over Southern Illinois on Sunday, with each goal being scored by a different player. Prior to that game, the Panthers had scored one goal all season.
Ashley Harrington led the team on Sunday with a goal and an assist. Sandra Thiman has now scored in back-to-back games.
The UNI defense has totaled four shutouts in a row and the Panthers have now won in back-to-back games after starting the season with two draws and a loss.
For all 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: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
