NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer (2-5-1, 0-0-0 MVC) opens MVC play this week as the Birds travel to Southern Illinois (4-2-2, 0-0-0 MVC) Thursday and host Belmont (3-5-1, 0-0-0 MVC) Sunday at Adelaide Street Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Sunday. No Broadcast is available for Thursday's contest. 

SERIES HISTORY 

The Redbirds lead the all-time series with Southern Illinois 3-1-0 since the Salukis kicked off their inaugural campaign during the 2019 season. The first meeting came in 2020-21, which opened a stretch of two wins for Illinois State in the first two meetings. Illinois State won 1-0 at Adelaide Street Field last season over Southern Illinois.

Illinois State leads Belmont all-time 2-1-1, however the Redbirds are winless in the last two meetings. Both Redbird wins over the Bruins came in 2000, when Belmont was an affiliate member of the Missouri Valley Conference.  

LAND OF LINCOLN 

Thursday caps off a four out of five-game stretch for Illinois State against in-state foes.  

In total Illinois State takes on six in-state opponents this season, which is tied for the most in a single season in program history. The 1997, 1998 and 2016 Redbird squads also played six in-state foes. The Redbirds will take on one final in-state foe at UIC Oct. 20.

THE 13TH REDBIRD 

The Redbirds will honor Julie Heidecke, the 13th Redbird, Sunday as a part of Alumni Weekend. On April 29, 1998, Heidecke was involved in a car accident that tragically ended her life. In her one season with the Redbirds, Heidecke's personality and demeanor inspired teammates and coaches. 

As a result, former head coach Pete Kowall, the Julie Heidecke Foundation and Illinois State Athletics established an award in her memory to recognize a Redbird soccer player following Heidecke's path in commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern for others. Additionally, the Julie Heidecke Tribute Tree was planted in her honor at the entrance of Adelaide Street Field and her #13 jersey was retired. Each year, the Illinois State Soccer program honors the newest recipient of the Heidecke Award with a ceremony under the tribute tree.  

Fans can attend the 2024 Julie Heidecke Ceremony following the game on Sunday.  

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.