Illinois State University’s head soccer coach Raleigh DeRose has released the Redbirds’ 2026 schedule, a 18‑match slate that includes eight home contests at Adelaide Street Field. The announcement marks a concrete step toward building on the program’s recent surge in the Missouri Valley Conference.
A Packed Slate Begins With Exhibition Play
The campaign opens with an exhibition match on August 5 against Heartland Community College, followed by the regular‑season opener at home versus Northern Illinois on August 12. Both games will be played on campus, giving the team an early chance to fine‑tune tactics in front of its own fans.
DeRose emphasized the strength of the non‑conference opponents, noting that the Redbirds will test themselves against traditional Midwest powers such as Lindenwood, Northwestern and Loyola. These matchups are designed to sharpen the squad before conference play begins.
Conference Road and Home Advantage
Missouri Valley Conference action kicks off on September 20 at Murray State, after which the Redbirds will host nine league opponents, including UNI, Belmont, Indiana State and Valparaiso. The remaining conference games will be played on the road, providing a balanced test of depth and resilience.
Last season the Redbirds finished fourth in the MVC standings and advanced to the conference tournament championship match, a run that raised expectations for the upcoming campaign. Coach DeRose believes the experience gained from that push will translate into a stronger, more competitive 2026 roster.
The 2026 MVC Tournament is slated for November 8‑15, with locations and match times to be announced later. That timeline offers the team a clear pathway toward a potential title run and a chance to cement its place among the conference’s elite.