ST. LOUIS -- Illinois State soccer's Sosi Dadekian was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defender of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. It is Dadekian's first MVC weekly honor and the third for the Redbirds this season.
The sophomore from Bloomington-Normal scored her first career goal and helped the Redbirds earn their fifth shutout of the season last Sunday against UIC. Dadekian's penalty kick conversion in the 40th minute ended up being the game-winner in the Redbirds' 2-0 victory over the Flames, moving Illinois State to 7-1-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
"I'm very proud of Sosi for earning this award," said ISU head coach Raleigh DeRose. "She stepped up in a big-time moment and put the game in her hands. Defensively, she was tough and tenacious, making her presence felt on both ends of the field. Overall, it was a great statement performance from Sosi."
She has started all 11 games for the Redbirds this season, and her stout defense has propelled Illinois State to a five-match win streak, in which they're outscoring opponents 10-1.
Dadekian and the Redbirds return to action on Sunday for an MVC matchup against UNI. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Adelaide Street Field.
