By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL – Illinois State soccer has released its 2015 schedule.
As has become custom, the Redbirds will face several high-profile power conference programs this season, but contrary to past seasons, ISU will host over half of those contests.
“We are excited about the 2015 schedule,” said head coach Eric Golz. “It is a strong collection of programs that have had success within their respective leagues, as well as nationally. This schedule is a good balance of home and away matches against opponents that will challenge us to be at our best each time we step on the field. I am excited to see which individuals embrace new roles and impact the growth of our team as the season progresses.”
The season opens Aug. 21 in Columbus, Ohio. as ISU will take on Ohio State. The Buckeyes finished 11th in the Big Ten last season and this will be the first meeting between the two teams.
The Redbirds follow the season opener with four-straight home games at Adelaide Street Field. ISU will host Illinois on Aug. 23 in the home opener. and will also face TCU a week later on the Aug. 30.
ISU will be away from Adelaide Street Field almost all of September with six-straight games on the road, beginning with a Sept. 6 match at Wisconsin. The Badgers were an NCAA Tournament qualifier last season and advanced to the second round. The Redbirds’ traditional extended-weekend trip will be Sept. 11-13, when ISU flies east to take on George Mason and Navy.
ISU will travel to both Western Michigan and Central Michigan a year after defeating both teams in Normal.
The Missouri Valley Conference-opener is scheduled for Sept. 26, when the Redbirds play host to Drake. Loyola will come to town the following Wednesday.
The final nonconference game of the season will be Oct. 2 against Oklahoma. The Sooners qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season, but bowed out in the first round.
The Redbirds will host the final home game of the season against Evansville, Oct. 24. ISU then travels to Evansville for the MVC Tournament, which will be held Nov. 6-8. ISU has gone undefeated in conference play the past two seasons and has also won four-straight MVC Tournaments.
ISU will also play two exhibition contests in August prior to the regular season. The Redbirds host Western Illinois on Aug. 11 and then welcome Iowa to town on Aug. 15.
“We are excited about our team, looking forward to the challenging schedule, and cannot wait to play in front of all of the Redbird fans this fall,” said Golz.
For the complete schedule, click here.
