The Illinois State Redbirds soccer team will face UT Martin on Sunday at 6 p.m. CT at Adelaide Street Field, marking their second matchup ever, with Illinois State leading the series 1-0. The Skyhawks arrive with a season record of 1-0-2, having scored all five goals in the second half. Notably, Redbirds have secured a strong 2-0 start for the first time since 2014, with standout performances from Rylann Law and goalkeeper Madi Valenti.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois State has a 2-0 season start, the best since 2014.
  • Madi Valenti has recorded 18 career shutouts, ranking fourth in program history.
  • Rylann Law has scored 2 goals in the season's first two games, equaling half her total from last season.
State of Play
  • Illinois State comes off a recent 1-0 victory against Lindenwood, showcasing a strong defense.
  • UT Martin has played five goals in the second half across three games, indicating a late-game scoring pattern.
What's Next

The Redbirds will aim to build momentum with a home victory against the Skyhawks on Sunday, potentially leading to improved conference standings. Additionally, Rachel Tejada's jersey retirement event on Oct. 4 could further galvanize the team's community support.

Bottom Line

The Redbirds are poised for success with a strong start to the season and key players making impactful contributions. Continued late-game scoring from UT Martin poses a challenge, yet Illinois State's solid defense and home advantage bolster their chances for victory.