Thursday, September 26
Starkville
6:00 PM
Mississippi State
vs
Ole Miss
Magnolia Cup Returns to Starkville for Televised Match
September 25, 2019 | Soccer
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Coordinator/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer is set to host the next chapter in the Magnolia Cup rivalry on Thursday night when the Bulldogs wrap up a six-game homestand against Ole Miss. The 25th meeting between the programs will be televised nationally on SEC Network at 6 p.m. CT.
Though the trophy itself was created before a spring exhibition in 2003, the series dates back to 1995, the year both schools started a soccer program. The Bulldogs will be looking to reclaim the Cup for the first time since 2012. The two teams did not meet in 2015.
"It was nice to have one game a week for the first time," head coach James Armstrong said. "Now, we set our sights firmly on Ole Miss. It's a big rivalry game for the fans, the players and the coaches. Rivalry games are always intense, and something crazy always happens. We're really happy to be at home and wanting those fans to come out and be loud as always."
The Bulldogs are giving away replica jerseys while supplies last, and free pizza will also be available. Chick-fil-A of Starkville will be on site to offer food and free cookies. HailState Rewards and Bully's Kids Club points are tripled on Thursday night with fans able to earn as many as 500 points.
A win in the series would mark the third consecutive year that MSU has started 1-1-0 in conference play. More notably, it would be State's first win in a televised match since 2007.
The Rebels bring a high-powered offense into Thursday night's match, averaging 20.4 shots per game and 2.11 goals per game. Meanwhile the Bulldog defense has held opponents to 11.6 shots per game, just off of last year's school record of 11.5.
MSU's defense has done so while committing 10.8 fouls per game. Without the 36 fouls the Bulldogs were called for on their western road trip, they would be averaging an SEC-low 4.4 fouls per game. The Rebels, however, have picked up seven yellow cards this year and allowed four penalty kick goals.
State heads back on the road on Sunday when the Bulldogs travel to Lexington, Kentucky. MSU and the Wildcats will kick off at 1 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Time: Thursday, 6 p.m. CT
Broadcast: SEC Network (PxP – Mike Watts; Analyst – Heather Mitts)
At MSU: 4-5-2
At OM: 2-8-2
Neutral Sites: 0-1-0
Last Meeting: Oct. 21, 2018 (MSU 0 at OM 2)
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSOC."
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer is set to host the next chapter in the Magnolia Cup rivalry on Thursday night when the Bulldogs wrap up a six-game homestand against Ole Miss. The 25th meeting between the programs will be televised nationally on SEC Network at 6 p.m. CT.
Though the trophy itself was created before a spring exhibition in 2003, the series dates back to 1995, the year both schools started a soccer program. The Bulldogs will be looking to reclaim the Cup for the first time since 2012. The two teams did not meet in 2015.
"It was nice to have one game a week for the first time," head coach James Armstrong said. "Now, we set our sights firmly on Ole Miss. It's a big rivalry game for the fans, the players and the coaches. Rivalry games are always intense, and something crazy always happens. We're really happy to be at home and wanting those fans to come out and be loud as always."
The Bulldogs are giving away replica jerseys while supplies last, and free pizza will also be available. Chick-fil-A of Starkville will be on site to offer food and free cookies. HailState Rewards and Bully's Kids Club points are tripled on Thursday night with fans able to earn as many as 500 points.
A win in the series would mark the third consecutive year that MSU has started 1-1-0 in conference play. More notably, it would be State's first win in a televised match since 2007.
The Rebels bring a high-powered offense into Thursday night's match, averaging 20.4 shots per game and 2.11 goals per game. Meanwhile the Bulldog defense has held opponents to 11.6 shots per game, just off of last year's school record of 11.5.
MSU's defense has done so while committing 10.8 fouls per game. Without the 36 fouls the Bulldogs were called for on their western road trip, they would be averaging an SEC-low 4.4 fouls per game. The Rebels, however, have picked up seven yellow cards this year and allowed four penalty kick goals.
State heads back on the road on Sunday when the Bulldogs travel to Lexington, Kentucky. MSU and the Wildcats will kick off at 1 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
Game Information
Opponent: Ole MissLocation: Starkville, Mississippi
Time: Thursday, 6 p.m. CT
Broadcast: SEC Network (PxP – Mike Watts; Analyst – Heather Mitts)
Series History
Overall: 6-14-4At MSU: 4-5-2
At OM: 2-8-2
Neutral Sites: 0-1-0
Last Meeting: Oct. 21, 2018 (MSU 0 at OM 2)
Fast Facts
- The Bulldogs' four wins against Ole Miss in Starkville are tied for the third-most home victories against a single opponent in program history.
- The rivalry series between Ole Miss and the Bulldogs dates back to both teams' inaugural season in 1995 when MSU knocked off the Rebels for its first ever SEC victory.
- Thursday will mark the 25th match in the series, with the programs meeting every year except 2015. They played twice in 2001, including MSU's first SEC Tournament appearance.
- The series was played in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in 2009.
- Zakirah McGillivary led the way in conference play last year, scoring a third of the Bulldogs' goals in SEC matches, including all of their game-winning goals in the league.
- Gabby English ranks fifth nationally among active keepers with 6,284 career minutes. Her 24 total shutouts are 10th, and her 271 saves ranked 12th.
- State has played 24 players this year with 16 different starters. Five players have started every match.
- A win would make James Armstrong the third Bulldog head coach to start 1-1 in the SEC.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSOC."
Players Mentioned
GK
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