Soccer Game Preview: Dunlap vs. Normal University

The Dunlap Eagles are taking a road trip to square off against the Normal University Pioneers at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Dunlap's defense has only allowed 0.5 goals per game this season, so Normal University's offense will have their work cut out for them.

Dunlap is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Illinois' top teams: Normal West, who was ranked 21st at the time (Dunlap was ranked 23rd). The Eagles never let the Wildcats get on the board and left with a 2-0 win on Thursday. The game was the first time Dunlap have beaten Normal West on their pitch since March 29, 2021.

Meanwhile, Normal University sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 victory over Sacred Heart-Griffin on Thursday. The win continues a trend for Normal University in their matchups with Sacred Heart-Griffin: they've now won three in a row.

Dunlap's record now sits at 12-2-2. As for Normal University, their record is now 10-7-3.

Dunlap skirted past Normal University 1-0 in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the team won't have the home-pitch advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.