The Basics
The Drake University women's soccer team heads back home to take on Illinois State Thursday night, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. under the lights at Drake Stadium. The Bulldogs (1-6-4, 0-1-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play) are coming off a 2-0 loss at Valparaiso on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Faculty & Staff Recognition
Drake women's soccer will recognize Drake University faculty and staff members prior to the game on Thursday night.
Quick Kicks
Junior forward
Emma Nagel, freshman
Layla Kelbel and sophomore
Makenna Shepard have been Drake's offensive leaders. The trio has combined for seven of the team's ten goals with Nagel leading the way with three.
Kelbel has proven to be an offensive threat, with eight shots on goal and 14 total shots. Not to mention, the last time she played in front of the home crowd she nailed an incredible goal from well outside the 18-yard box against Missouri State in the 50th minute.
Against Missouri State on Sept. 22, Drake cut the Bears' shot total in half in the final 45 minutes. Senior goalkeeper
Vianey Lopez is in a tie for first in The Valley with 44 total saves thus far this season.
Scouting Illinois State
Illinois State comes into the matchup with a 2-9 (0-3) record after a 1-0 loss to Indiana State. The Redbirds have been shut out in three consecutive games. Much like Drake, the Redbirds have an offensive trio that will challenge Valley defenses all season. Allison Baker is tied for first in the MVC with three goals this season followed by Haley Glover and Kelsi McLaughlin with two goals each. Baker has totaled 17 shots with 11 on goal.
The defense for ISU runs through goalkeeper Audrey Brown, who ranks second in the MVC with 42 total saves.
Series History vs. Illinois State
Illinois State leads the all-time series, 12-9-3. Drake at home is 5-5-2 against the Redbirds.
In the past five matchups, the Bulldogs have outscored Illinois State 6-3. Last year's meeting (Oct. 17, 2021) in Normal, Ill., ended in a scoreless draw after overtime.
Up Next
Drake women's soccer will not compete over the weekend as its next scheduled contest is an MVC match at UNI on Thursday, Oct. 6 with a 3 p.m. kickoff.
