Sunday, August 27
Starkville
6:30 p.m.
Mississippi State
vs
FIU
Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Sunday Night Soccer Showdown: Mississippi State Set to Host FIU Under the Starkville Lights
August 26, 2023 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – The soccer fever in Starkville is undeniable as the Bulldogs gear themselves for an electrifying encounter against the FIU Panthers. The match is set for a 6:30 pm kick, just as the sun dips below the horizon and begins casting its golden glow over the MSU Soccer field.
The electric atmosphere in Starkville is palpable, especially after the Bulldog's successful journey out West for the first two matches of the year, culminating in a triumphant return to their home turf for their first regular season home game of the season Thursday night against Northwestern State.
Leading the charge for the Dawgs (2-0-1) so far this season is Aitana Martinez-Montoya, who has left her mark with two goals in three matches, racking up four points. Martinez-Montoya's clinical finishing ability is evident, with a goal conversion rate of 50%, making her a constant threat in the opposition's penalty area.
Kennedy White has showcased her versatility, tallying one goal and one assist in three matches, contributing three points to the team's tally. Hannah Johnson, with one goal and two shots on goal, has proven her prowess in front of the net, playing a crucial role in creating scoring opportunities.
Maggie Wadsworth, equally impressive, has started all three games, played 175 minutes, and scored her first goal of the season in the home opener. Wadsworth has recorded 4 shots on goal, demonstrating her consistent offensive contributions. Rylie Combs, Macey Hodge, and Haley McWhirter have all shown their finesse with assists, accumulating a point each.
While individual contributions have been noteworthy, the collective team effort cannot be understated for this Bulldog squad. State has goal-scoring depth, with various players stepping up to contribute across the matches. This collaborative approach is key. Their offensive dynamism is evident with an average of 1.67 goals per game and a remarkable shots-on-goal percentage of 50.0%.
MSU's precision and efficiency shine through with five goals from 44 shots, reflecting their ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their strategic approach extends to set pieces, evident in their 18 corner kicks, a testament to their tactical acumen.
State's defensive strategy has been a resounding success, limiting their opponents to just one goal in three matches. This remarkable feat is a testament to the team's organization, discipline, and commitment to maintaining a strong defensive line. Last time out, Northwestern State managed only a single shot attempt throughout the match, a testament to the Bulldogs' ability to control and stifle opposing attacks.
Adding to the narrative, Maddy Anderson, a bedrock in the team's defense, earned the coveted title of Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Week. This esteemed accolade marks her third time receiving this recognition, showcasing her as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate soccer. Her exceptional performances between the posts during the season's opening week have further solidified her reputation as a defensive stalwart.
The FIU Panthers (3-0, 0-0 CUSA) arrive in Starkville with their heads held high after a triumphant 4-0 shutout over Jacksonville just days ago. With their third consecutive clean sheet victory, the Panthers are riding a wave of confidence. The home opener victory was spearheaded by Junior Nikole Solis, who netted a hat trick, the second of her career. Solis's exceptional performance has thrust her into the national spotlight, leading the country with an astonishing six goals.
The Blue & Gold offensive dominance has been their strong suit so far this season. Outscoring opponents 17-0 in the first three games, they have positioned themselves fifth in the nation's scoring offense rankings. This ferocious attack has seen contributions from various players, including sophomore Kim Schneider with 3 goals, junior Noemi Paquin and sophomore Kennedy Floyd with 2 goals each, and graduate student Camille Sahirul and sophomore Chinatsu Kaio with a goal each. Amid this offensive scheme, sophomore Catherine Rapp has stood out, leading the team with 2 assists.
The match will be streaming live via SEC Network+, allowing fans across the nation to be part of the excitement. With the fans' cheers still echoing and the cowbells' resonance lingering from the home opener, Mississippi State and FIU are set to create another memorable soccer spectacle, adding another chapter to the legacy of Starkville's soccer passion.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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The electric atmosphere in Starkville is palpable, especially after the Bulldog's successful journey out West for the first two matches of the year, culminating in a triumphant return to their home turf for their first regular season home game of the season Thursday night against Northwestern State.
Leading the charge for the Dawgs (2-0-1) so far this season is Aitana Martinez-Montoya, who has left her mark with two goals in three matches, racking up four points. Martinez-Montoya's clinical finishing ability is evident, with a goal conversion rate of 50%, making her a constant threat in the opposition's penalty area.
Kennedy White has showcased her versatility, tallying one goal and one assist in three matches, contributing three points to the team's tally. Hannah Johnson, with one goal and two shots on goal, has proven her prowess in front of the net, playing a crucial role in creating scoring opportunities.
Maggie Wadsworth, equally impressive, has started all three games, played 175 minutes, and scored her first goal of the season in the home opener. Wadsworth has recorded 4 shots on goal, demonstrating her consistent offensive contributions. Rylie Combs, Macey Hodge, and Haley McWhirter have all shown their finesse with assists, accumulating a point each.
While individual contributions have been noteworthy, the collective team effort cannot be understated for this Bulldog squad. State has goal-scoring depth, with various players stepping up to contribute across the matches. This collaborative approach is key. Their offensive dynamism is evident with an average of 1.67 goals per game and a remarkable shots-on-goal percentage of 50.0%.
MSU's precision and efficiency shine through with five goals from 44 shots, reflecting their ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their strategic approach extends to set pieces, evident in their 18 corner kicks, a testament to their tactical acumen.
State's defensive strategy has been a resounding success, limiting their opponents to just one goal in three matches. This remarkable feat is a testament to the team's organization, discipline, and commitment to maintaining a strong defensive line. Last time out, Northwestern State managed only a single shot attempt throughout the match, a testament to the Bulldogs' ability to control and stifle opposing attacks.
Adding to the narrative, Maddy Anderson, a bedrock in the team's defense, earned the coveted title of Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Week. This esteemed accolade marks her third time receiving this recognition, showcasing her as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate soccer. Her exceptional performances between the posts during the season's opening week have further solidified her reputation as a defensive stalwart.
The FIU Panthers (3-0, 0-0 CUSA) arrive in Starkville with their heads held high after a triumphant 4-0 shutout over Jacksonville just days ago. With their third consecutive clean sheet victory, the Panthers are riding a wave of confidence. The home opener victory was spearheaded by Junior Nikole Solis, who netted a hat trick, the second of her career. Solis's exceptional performance has thrust her into the national spotlight, leading the country with an astonishing six goals.
The Blue & Gold offensive dominance has been their strong suit so far this season. Outscoring opponents 17-0 in the first three games, they have positioned themselves fifth in the nation's scoring offense rankings. This ferocious attack has seen contributions from various players, including sophomore Kim Schneider with 3 goals, junior Noemi Paquin and sophomore Kennedy Floyd with 2 goals each, and graduate student Camille Sahirul and sophomore Chinatsu Kaio with a goal each. Amid this offensive scheme, sophomore Catherine Rapp has stood out, leading the team with 2 assists.
The match will be streaming live via SEC Network+, allowing fans across the nation to be part of the excitement. With the fans' cheers still echoing and the cowbells' resonance lingering from the home opener, Mississippi State and FIU are set to create another memorable soccer spectacle, adding another chapter to the legacy of Starkville's soccer passion.
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– HailState.com –
Players Mentioned
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