The Illinois State Redbirds are set to host Northwestern on Thursday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central Time at Martin Stadium. The contest will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action.
Series History and Stakes
Northwestern holds a 9‑3 edge in the all‑time series, having rattled off five straight victories since September 2016. The Wildcats arrive with a 1‑2 record this season, after opening with wins over Denver before stumbling against No. 11 Virginia and Syracuse.
Illinois State, meanwhile, is riding a wave of early‑season success. The Redbirds have started unbeaten for the first time since 2014, a streak that includes a shutout of Lindenwood and a gritty draw with UT Martin. Rylann Law became the first Redbird to score in back‑to‑back games to start the season since Riley O'Brien in 2021, underscoring the team’s offensive spark.
Shooting efficiency separates the two sides. The Redbirds have converted 42.5 % of their 40 shots on goal, while Northwestern sits at 25 % after 28 attempts.
Key Players and Watch List Highlights
Among the standouts, senior forward Kennedy Roesch earned a spot on the 2026 Hermann Trophy Watch List, recognizing her impact in the attack. Goalkeepers Madi Valenti and Grace Petrie have combined for 176 career saves, with Valenti already reaching 176 in program history.
A Legend’s Legacy
The night will also mark the retirement of No. 14 jersey belonging to Illinois State legend Rachel Tejada. Tejada remains the only player in Missouri Valley Conference history to capture the Conference Player of the Year award four times, and she still holds Redbird and MVC records for goals (74), assists (42) and points (190).
Coach Raleigh DeRose, now in his third season, has bolstered the roster with six newcomers, including two freshmen and four transfers. Returning 22 players from the previous campaign, seven of whom logged over 1,000 minutes last year, the team blends experience with fresh talent.
Game Details and Broadcast
Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as the Redbirds look to extend their unbeaten run. The matchup not only carries conference implications but also serves as a showcase for the growing prominence of women's soccer in the region.