Valparaiso, IN — The Valparaiso Beacons women's soccer team is scheduled to host the Southern Illinois University Salukis this Thursday for a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at Brown Field. Southern Illinois enters the contest with a 10-2 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 standing in conference play, currently riding a program-record nine-game winning streak. The Beacons, holding an overall record of 5-6-2 and a conference record of 1-2-1, will aim to improve their MVC position on their home field.
The Salukis' extended their winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Illinois State on October 10. In that match, sophomore Brooke Gosse scored the only goal in the ninth minute, following assists from Nao Katamoto and Dana Nadda. Southern Illinois's defense maintained a shutout, limiting Illinois State to seven total shots and only one shot on goal. Goalkeeper Kaylynn Miller recorded one save to help secure the team's shutout victory.
Valparaiso enters Thursday's game following a 1-1 draw against UNI on October 11, which marks their latest performance in conference play.
Southern Illinois was selected fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, accumulating 59 points. Junior Guliana Balistreri was also recognized, earning a spot on the preseason all-conference team. Throughout the season, several Saluki players have received weekly conference honors for their performances.
Brooke Gosse received MVC Player of the Week recognition on August 18 after scoring two goals against Western Illinois. Penny Warner also earned a weekly award for her hat trick during Southern Illinois's 8-0 victory over Alabama A&M, which marked a program-record for the team. Reagan Miller was named MVC Goalkeeper of the Week on September 15, recording two shutouts and aiding the Salukis in extending their winning streak to five matches. This honor marked Miller's third career MVC Goalkeeper of the Week selection.
Maya Dixon was recognized as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on September 19 following her two-goal performance in Southern Illinois's 2-1 win over Evansville. Dixon's goals were scored within the first 26 minutes of the match, both assisted by Victoria Hassan. Nao Katamoto also earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week honors on September 29 after scoring both goals, including the game-winning goal in the 29th minute, during a 2-1 victory against Murray State on September 26. Her performance helped the Salukis reach a seven-match winning streak at that point.
Most recently, Brooke Gosse earned MVC Defender of the Week honors on October 13. This recognition came after playing all 90 minutes and helping secure the 1-0 shutout against Illinois State, limiting the Redbirds' offensive attempts. This marks Gosse's second MVC weekly award of the current season.
