NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State soccer is set to cap off its three-game home stand with a contest against Eastern Illinois Thursday evening.
Thursday's meeting with the Panthers will be Illinois State's last home game in the non-conference schedule. This Thursday marks the fourth contest against an OVC opponent this season, with the Redbirds holding a 2-1-0 record against OVC squads.
In the all-time series, Illinois State holds an 11-5-0 advantage with a 6-3-0 record in games played at Adelaide Street Field. Thursday's matchup will mark the first meeting since 2023 where the Redbirds prevailed 1-0 in Decatur in the last contest.
Illinois State enters Thursday's matchup after falling 1-0 to Loyola Chicago, Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field. The Redbirds' defeat ended Illinois State's three-game shutout win streak, which was the longest streak under head coach Raleigh DeRose.
In Thursday's game, Redshirt Sophomore Madi Valenti recorded four saves in the first half, which tied for the most in a half for her this season and the third time she has recorded four saves in the opening half.
Freshman Rylann Law will also look to continue her form on Thursday after being named the MVC Freshman of the Week on Tuesday after scoring her first collegiate brace. Law leads all freshmen with four goals scored and currently sits third among all players.
Eastern Illinois will travel to Normal after recording a 2-0 win over Purdue Fort Wayne Sunday afternoon. The Panthers are led by third-year head coach Dirk Bennett, who previously served as an assistant since 2019.
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