NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer (5-9-4, 3-4-3) is back in the MVC Tournament for the first time since 2021, as the No.7 seed Redbirds take on No.6 UNI (9-5-4, 4-3-3) in the opening round at Flames Field in Chicago, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. 

Thursday's winner advances to take on host UIC Sunday at 4 p.m. 

SERIES HISTORY 

Illinois State and UNI are set to meet for the second consecutive game, after the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw to cap off the regular season at Adelaide Street Field last week. Illinois State led 1-0 off a 34th-minute goal by Ellie Arnold. UNI struck in the 80th minute to level the match. 

The Redbirds and Panthers meet for the 3rd time all-time in the MVC Tournament and the first time since 2021, when Illinois State advanced on penalty kicks in a 1-1 tie. UNI won 1-0 over the Redbirds in the Quarterfinal of the 2017 MVC Tournament. 

MVC TOURNAMENT HISTORY 

The Redbirds 7 MVC Tournament titles all-time are tied for the most in Valley history (Evansville) as the program goes for its first since 2016. Illinois State's 19 All-time MVC Tournament wins ranks third in conference history behind Evansville (21) and Creighton (20). 

The Redbirds are looking to become the first No.7 seed to ever win a game at the MVC Women's Soccer Tournament. Illinois State has never won a game as a lower seed at the MVC tournament (0-8-2 record) 

FANTASTIC FRESHMEN 

Freshmen roommates Eiley Henderson and Eve Gricius have been a driving force for Illinois State in Valley play. They are tied for the team lead with a pair of goals this year. The duo also leads the Redbirds with five total points (2 goals, 1 assist), all in MVC play. 

Henderson and Gricius are tied for third in points among freshmen in Valley play this season. (5 points) The duo scored their first career goals in the same game, a 2-1 win over Valparaiso Oct. 3. 

Henderson was the first true freshman in the Valley to register a one-goal, one-assist performance in an MVC game this year, when she did so against Indiana State Oct. 13. 

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