NORMAL, Ill. – No. 4 Illinois State soccer is set to host No. 6 UIC in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship Game at Adelaide Street Field Sunday afternoon. Kickoff from Normal is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Sunday's meeting marks the first time Illinois State will make an appearance in the MVC Championship game since 2019. The Redbirds will also host the title game for the first time since 2016, in which Illinois State prevailed in a 2-1 over Evansville to claim the program's most recent tournament title. In 10 championship game appearances, the Redbirds hold a 7-3 record.
The Redbirds advanced to the championship game following a 1-0 victory over Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday afternoon. Illinois State was awarded a penalty kick in the closing moments of the game, and Senior Abby Hall converted from the spot to secure the Redbird win.
Redshirt Sophomore Madi Valenti tallied her 11th shutout of the season in the victory. Valenti's shutout total is the most in a single season by a Redbird goalkeeper in program history. The Redbirds have recorded 12 shutouts as a team, which matches the most by an Illinois State team in program history and sits tied for the fifth most in the nation.
Sunday's contest with the Flames marks the eighth meeting between the two programs and the second matchup played in the MVC Tournament in the all-time series. This season, the squads recorded a 0-0 draw at Adelaide Street Field in October.
The Flames travel to Normal after advancing to the title game with a 4-3 victory on penalties against Murray State on Thursday. UIC is led by fifth-year head coach David Nikolic and All-MVC First Team selection, Senior Riley Collett. Collet has tallied four goals and two assists this season for the Flames.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Sunday's contest will be available to purchase online at goredbirds.com or at the gate of entry ahead of kickoff.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos, and more.
