SAINT CHARLES, Mo. -- Illinois State soccer has started a season 2-0 for the first time since 2014, as the Redbirds blanked Lindenwood 1-0 on Thursday evening at Hunter Stadium, avenging their loss to the Lions in last season's opener.

Rylann Law put Illinois State on the board in the 19th minute, firing from near the top right of the box into the lower left corner of the net off an assist from Sammi Cenek. The strike marks Law's second goal in as many games, as she scored the Redbirds' first goal of the season against Northern Illinois last week. She is the first Redbird to score in back-to-back games to start the season since Rylie O'Brien in 2021.

Ava Watson, Maggie Dowling and Bailey Leach also put shots on goal for Illinois State in the first half, while the Redbird defense held the Lions without a shot on target through the first 45 minutes.

Lindenwood put two shots on goal in the second half, but two saves from Madi Valenti and the Redbirds' continued defensive pressure kept the Lions scoreless. Valenti now has 18 career shutouts, moving into sole possession of fourth place in program history.

UP NEXT

The Redbirds are back home Sunday, hosting UT Martin at 6 p.m. CT at Adelaide Street Field. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.