Soccer Game Preview: Springfield Southeast vs. Normal University

Springfield Southeast hasn't had much luck against Normal University recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Spartans will challenge the Pioneers at 4:30 p.m. Neither team made it on the board the last time they hit the pitch, so they've probably got a bit of extra motivation.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Springfield Southeast's offense. They lost 8-0 to Sacred Heart-Griffin on Tuesday. While losing is never fun, Springfield Southeast can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois soccer rankings (they are ranked 151st, while Sacred Heart-Griffin are ranked 36th).

Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Normal University's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They came up short against Springfield, falling 4-1.

Springfield Southeast's loss dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Normal University, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-2-1.

Springfield Southeast suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Normal University in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.