CHICAGO – In a rematch of the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Championship, the UIC women's soccer team welcomed the Illinois State Redbirds to Flames Field for their second conference match of the 2026 season. The Redbirds (7-1-3, 2-0 MVC) capitalized on their opportunities, going on to defeat the Flames (1-7-2, 0-2 MVC) 2-0.
At halftime, the Flames celebrated Alumnae Day with members who have helped shape the program.
FIRST HALF
Camryn Ries ripped the first shot of the contest in the 2
nd minute, but the Redbird defense would block the shot from reaching the goal.
The Redbird would get back-to-back chances in the 5
th minute, with
Sidney Lazenby coming up with a save from Ava Watson's shot. Rylann Law followed up on the deflection from Lazenby's save, and her shot would hit off the post, resulting in a Flames goal kick.
UIC and Illinois State battled through the half, with action picking up in the final 10 minutes.
In the 37
th minute,
Bella Lister had an attempt at goal with a header. After VAR review, the Flames were awarded a penalty kick following a foul on Lister during her attempt.
Elyse DeSchryver stepped up to take the kick, striking a right-footed shot towards the left of the net, but Madi Valenti would come up with the diving save, keeping the score at nil-nil.
Then, in the 40
th minute, VAR would rule in favor of the Redbirds, awarding a penalty kick after a foul in the box. Sosi Dadekian converted the penalty, giving the Redbirds the lead.
At the half, the Flames trailed the Redbirds 1-0.
SECOND HALF
Both teams came out of the halftime break ready to go, with Illinois State taking a shot 35 seconds into the half, resulting in a Lazenby save.
With their second shot of the half, the Redbirds found the back of the net with a goal by Ava Watson.
The Flames would go on to outshoot the Redbirds 9-4 in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net.
Becca Ruggiero recorded UIC's best opportunity in the 86
th minute that nearly missed the frame.
After 90 minutes, the Flames fell to the Redbirds 2-0.
The full box score and play-by-play recap can be found
here.
UP NEXT
The Flames will hit the road for their next contest, traveling to Des Moines, Iowa to take on the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Mediacom Stadium.
FOLLOW THE FLAMES
For more information, fans are encouraged to visit
UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (
@UIC_WSOC and
@UICFlames) and Instagram (
@uic_wsoc and
@uicflames).
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