NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer opened the 2026 season with a comeback victory Wednesday night, rallying past Northern Illinois 2-1 at Adelaide Street Field.

"It's always great to get a win in the first game of the year, but I think what I'm more proud of is how we came from behind," said Illinois State head coach Raleigh DeRose. "Being down a goal in the first half is something you have to dig yourself out of, and that takes a lot of character."

The Redbirds fell behind early when the Huskies scored in the 18th minute and carried that 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Illinois State regrouped and answered in the second half.

Sophomore forward Rylann Law scored the equalizer in the 63rd minute off an assist from senior transfer Mikayla Carkhuff. Just four minutes later, junior forward Eve Gricius delivered the go-ahead goal, heading a pass from sophomore Grace Petrie to put Illinois State ahead 2-1. 

The Redbirds controlled much of the attacking play, outshooting Northern Illinois 18-7 and holding a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks. Illinois State goalkeeper Madi Valenti recorded four saves in the victory.

"If you look at the stat sheet, we were able to impose ourselves, and that's something we talked about a lot during preseason," said DeRose. "So, I'm really proud of our girls for having that character and tenacity to show up in big moments to get the win."

UP NEXT

The Redbirds hit the road for a nonconference contest against Lindenwood next Thursday, Aug. 20, at Hunter Stadium in Saint Charles, Missouri.

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