Game Day Preview: Lindenwood vs. Illinois State
Match-up Details
Teams: Lindenwood (0-0) at Illinois State (0-0)
Date: Thursday, August 14
Time: 6:00 p.m. CST
Location: Adelaide Street Field, Normal, Illinois
Viewing Options: Watch Online | Live Stats
Season Opener for Lindenwood
The Lindenwood women’s soccer team is set to kick off their season with a road match against Illinois State. After an impressive 2024 season, where the Lions clinched their first conference championship since transitioning to NCAA Division I in 2022, Lindenwood is eager to continue their momentum. The team has previously met Illinois State only once, suffering a loss in 2022.
Team Insights
In the previous season, Lindenwood posted a record of 11 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws, finishing third in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Lions triumphed in the conference tournament with three consecutive victories to secure the championship title.
- Returning Talent: The Lions bring back a wealth of experience, including three All-OVC selections: Mackenzie Compton, Tasneem Dizdarevic, and Caroline Ritter.
- Player Leadership: The team retains 10 out of their 11 players who logged the most minutes last season, along with four of their leading scorers.
- New Additions: This season, Lindenwood welcomes seven newcomers: six freshmen and one transfer.
- Statistical Highlights: Last season, the Lions ranked second in the OVC for goals scored (27) and goals allowed (18), boasting a league-best average margin of victory of 0.40. They also led in both total shots (289) and save percentage (.811).
- Preseason Recognition: Lindenwood has been picked to finish second in the OVC’s 2025 Preseason Poll.
Coaching Staff
The Lions are guided by head coach Dave Musso, who is in his eighth year with the team and was honored as the 2024 OVC Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Lindenwood holds a record of 4-2-1 in season openers.
Key Players to Watch
- Mackenzie Compton: The 2024 OVC Freshman of the Year led the team with 22 points, including 8 goals and 6 assists, and earned MVP honors in the OVC Tournament.
- Tasneem Dizdarevic: A Second-Team All-OVC and All-Newcomer honoree, she contributed six points and recorded two game-winning goals last season.
- Caroline Ritter: The team’s goalkeeper last season, Ritter amassed eight shutouts and led the OVC with a goals against average of 0.74.
- Anna Johnson: Touted as Lindenwood’s OVC Player to Watch, Johnson scored six goals and contributed three assists last season.
- Jessica Dodd: Led the team in minutes played with 1,758, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
Illinois State Overview
The Illinois State Redbirds, coming off a season with a 6-10-4 record, finished seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference. They too return a strong core, featuring their top seven points leaders, and ten players who each played over 1,000 minutes last season.
- Top Scorers: Eily Henderson led ISU with 3 goals, while Erika Wells notched a team-leading 5 assists.
- Goalkeeper Insights: Madi Valenti started 18 matches last season, recording a 1.54 goals against average and a .741 save percentage.
Looking Ahead
Following the match against Illinois State, Lindenwood will take to the road again for a game against Murray State on Sunday, August 17, at 2 p.m. The Lions’ first home match is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, against Evansville at 6 p.m.
