Soccer Game Preview: Jacksonville vs. Normal University

Jacksonville is 0-6 against Normal University since April of 2018 but things could change on Tuesday. The Crimsons will challenge the Pioneers at 4:30 p.m.

Jacksonville is headed into Tuesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Saturday. They were a single goal away from ending the streak, but they lost a 1-0 heartbreaker at the hands of Staunton. While losing is never fun, Jacksonville can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois soccer rankings (they are ranked 179th, while Staunton are ranked 24th).

Meanwhile, after failing to score in their last contest, Normal University made sure to put some goals up on the board against Springfield Southeast on Thursday. They never let the Spartans get on the board and left with a 9-0 victory. That nine goal margin sets a new team best for Normal University this season.

Normal University has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they scored 22 goals over those six games. As for Jacksonville, their loss dropped their record down to 2-6-1.

Jacksonville might still be hurting after the 7-0 defeat they got from Normal University when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Crimsons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.