DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's soccer team welcomes Illinois State Saturday, Sept. 29 night in its first Missouri Valley Conference home game at the Cownie Soccer Complex. The game follows the Drake men's soccer game against Central Arkansas and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. It will be broadcast on ESPN3.
 
Drake (4-7-0, 1-0-0 MVC) started its MVC slate with a thrilling 1-0 road win over Valparaiso last Sunday. Junior Shelley Lyjak (Bartlett, Ill.) scored a golden goal in the 97^th minute of overtime to give the Bulldogs two key points as they begin defense of their regular season title. Lyjak's winner was assisted by freshman Alison Walls (Kansas City, Mo.), who had her initial shot blocked, but was able to get the ball back and pass to Lyjak who scored from 15 yards out. Walls had one goal and one assist in two matches last week helping her be named MVC Newcomer of the Week for the second time. Walls is tied for the team lead in goals with two and leads in assists with two.
 
Illinois State (6-4-2, 1-0-0 MVC) travels to Des Moines coming off a 2-1 victory against Missouri State in Normal, Ill Sunday. Junior Kate Del Fava and freshman Shaina Dudas scored goals for the Redbirds in the win over the defending MVC Tournament champions.  Del Fava leads their squad in goals (4) and assists (2).
 
Illinois State leads the all-time series versus Drake, 11-7-2. However, the Bulldogs won last season's meeting in thrilling fashion, coming back for a 3-2 victory that clinched the regular season championship.
 
Following Saturday's game, Drake travels to Chicago, Ill. Oct. 6 for a 7 p.m. match against Loyola. The action at Loyola Soccer Park will be broadcast on ESPN3.