Drake hosts Illinois State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mediacom Stadium in a key Missouri Valley Conference matchup between the league’s second- and third-place teams. The Bulldogs are coming off a 4-2 comeback win over first-place Southern Illinois, while Illinois State arrives unbeaten in its last three matches.

By the Numbers
  • Drake: 5-0-2 in conference play, 17 points.
  • Illinois State: 4-1-2 in conference play, 14 points.
  • Southern Illinois leads with 18 points; two conference matches remain for Drake.
  • Alexa Aylward has seven goals, including four against conference opponents.
  • Illinois State goalkeeper Madi Valenti has seven shutouts and an .845 save percentage.
Yes, But

Drake has momentum after its comeback against Southern Illinois, but Illinois State has been difficult to beat and has won both matchups with the Bulldogs from last season. Drake holds a 12-14-3 all-time record against the Redbirds.

What's Next

Drake closes the regular season on the road against in-state rival UNI on Thursday, Nov. 5, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

Bottom Line

Sunday’s result could reshape the MVC race: a Drake win would strengthen its hold on second place, while Illinois State has a chance to close the three-point gap.