TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- Indiana State heads north on Sunday afternoon for a 2 p.m. ET contest at Valparaiso, entering the matchup at 6-1-3 and 1-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference after a strong performance in last week's 2–0 win over UNI.
The Sycamores opened conference play with confidence, controlling tempo from the opening whistle and delivering one of their most complete outings of the season. ISU's pressure in the attacking third created steady chances throughout the match, while the defensive unit remained organized and disciplined, limiting UNI's opportunities and managing the game with poise.
Indiana State's scoring presence came from two decisive finishes that reflected the group's growing confidence and control. The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Alex Lehnert finished a right-footed shot to the bottom center, capping a sustained spell of Sycamore pressure and putting ISU in front. The lead doubled in the 78th minute as Madison Ziebarth scored with a shot to the bottom right, finishing a well-worked sequence that included touches from Kaylin Klutcharch and Quinn Urquhart to unlock UNI's back line. Goalkeeper Sofie Hansen closed out the match with a composed clean sheet, managing key moments and anchoring a defensive unit that stayed organized throughout.
Valparaiso sits at 4-5-1 and 0-1 in MVC action after a challenging 4–0 loss to Drake in its conference opener. The Beacons traditionally play with energy at home, looking to disrupt rhythm through physicality and quick transitions. Despite their recent result, Valpo has shown the ability to keep matches tight and will aim to challenge a Sycamore group that has been steady, disciplined, and efficient on both sides of the ball.
For Indiana State, Sunday's trip offers another valuable road test and an opportunity to build on a strong start to league play. The Sycamores will look to carry their defensive consistency forward while continuing to convert their attacking movement into chances as they push deeper into the MVC slate. With multiple players contributing in key moments and the group showing maturity in game management, ISU heads to Valparaiso intent on extending its momentum and strengthening its early-season position in the Valley.
Live stats for Sunday's match will be available on gosycamores.com, and the game will stream live on ESPN, giving fans multiple ways to follow along as Indiana State takes the field in Valparaiso.
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on Sycamore Soccer, visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from the both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
