Normal, Ill. - Illinois State soccer opens up its MVC home slate this week with a two-game home stand at Adelaide Street Field. The Redbirds host UNI Thursday for a 6 p.m. contest on ESPN+ before taking on Indiana State Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN3.
Join the Redbirds Thursday night for Pack The Pitch Night at Adelaide Street Field.
Illinois State Soccer is also set to celebrate Heidecke Day Sunday in correlation with Alumni Weekend. The program will welcome back past Redbirds while celebrating the legacy of former player Julie Heidecke, who's life tragically ended due to a car crash during her freshman year at Illinois State in 1998. The Heidecke Award, which recognizes a Redbird soccer player following Heidecke's path in commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern for others, will also be handed out to this year's recipient.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS
The Panthers (3-4-1, 0-1-0 MVC) are on a four-game skid heading into Thursday's MVC contest after UNI fell 1-0 on the road last week at Valparaiso to kick off MVC play. Freshman Sydney Burskey leads the Panthers with five points this season (T-6th in MVC).
Indiana State (0-5-2, 0-0-1 MVC) is still searching for tis first win of the season heading into the week. The Sycamores host Evansville Thursday night before Sunday's trip to Normal. Freshman Adelaide Wolfe was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday marks the 25th all-time meeting between MVC foes Illinois State and UNI. The Redbirds hold a 16-7-1 edge in the series and have won two of the last three regular season meetings. A year ago Haley Glover netted a 65th minute equalizing goal against the Panthers, but Illinois State fell 2-1 in OT in Cedar Rapids.
Illinois State has dominated the all-time series with Indiana State by a 22-5-1 margin, including a 13-1-0 mark at Adelaide Street Field. Illinois State settled for a 1-1 draw in Terre Haute last year to close the 2021 season.
SPREADING THE WEALTH
Seven different players have scored a goal for the Redbirds this season as Leah Crotty, Glover (2), Erica Moline, Shaina Dudas, Kelsi McLaughlin (2), Allison Baker (3) and Hillary Griffin each have tallies on the year.
In addition, Illinois State is the ONLY team in the Valley with three players who have scored 6+ points this year. (Baker and Griffin, 7 points; Glover, 6)
YOUNG INFLUX
Illinois State continues to be paced by a strong freshman class this year. Eight Redbirds have made their collegiate debuts in 2022, while five freshmen have appeared in the starting lineup.
Three freshmen have scored for the Redbirds (Crotty, Griffin, McLaughlin) making Illinois State the ONLY MVC team to have three freshman net a goal this season. It is the first time since 2018 that three Redbird freshmen have scored a goal in the same season.
