NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State soccer battled Indiana State to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field, closing out its Senior Day contest with a second-half equalizer. The draw extends the Redbirds' home unbeaten streak to 15 matches, with a 7-0-8 record in Normal dating back to last season.

The Redbirds and Sycamores played to a scoreless first half, with Indiana State holding a 7-3 advantage in shots. Senior goalkeeper Madi Valenti kept the Sycamores off the scoreboard, recording four saves in the opening 45 minutes.

Illinois State found its rhythm offensively after halftime, generating nine shots in the second half after recording three in the first. The Redbirds created several opportunities to find the back of the net, including shots from Sammi Cenek and Rylann Law that were saved by Indiana State goalkeeper Sofie Zoëga Hansen.

Indiana State never let up and opened the scoring in the 63rd minute on a corner kick, giving the Sycamores a 1-0 lead.

The Redbirds continued to push for an equalizer and found it with under 10 minutes remaining, igniting more than 600 fans in the stands, many of whom brought their furry friends to celebrate Puppies at the Pitch.

Following a video review, Indiana State was called for a handball in the box, awarding Illinois State a penalty kick. In front of her family and friends, Bloomington-Normal native Sosi Dadekian converted from the spot in the 84th minute, recording her second goal of the season and bringing the match level at 1-1.

Valenti finished with seven saves, including three in the second half, as Illinois State held on through the final minutes. The Redbirds finished with 12 shots, including four on target, while Indiana State recorded 11 shots and eight on goal.

Illinois State is now 9-2-4 overall and 4-1-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play with three games remaining in the regular season.

UP NEXT

The Redbirds are back in action next Sunday, Oct. 25, against Evansville. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville, Indiana.