Dawgs Win on Senior Sunday to Complete Non-Conference Play

Sunday, September 10

Starkville

Mississippi State

5-1-2, 0-0-0

ULM

4-1-2, 0-0-0

ULM

Mississippi St.

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Dawgs Win on Senior Sunday to Complete Non-Conference Play

September 10, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Lance Pardue, Communications Fellow

STARKVILLE – Sunday was a special day for Mississippi State Soccer as they honored five Bulldogs prior to their matchup with the Warhawks of ULM. The Dawgs emerged victorious 1-nill, handing ULM their first loss of the season in front of a sea of Maroon and White at the MSU Soccer Field.

The early minutes of the game saw both teams jostling for control, with State being called offside at 6:44 on their first attacking opportunity. The first notable event came at the 11:10 mark when Haley McWhirter took a shot from the top right, only to be denied by a fantastic save from ULM's goalkeeper, Mickaela Leal. ULM responded with a shot by Skylar Blaise at 12:32, but Maddy Anderson was equally up to the task, making the save.

The first half continued with several corner kicks, showing both teams' determination to break the deadlock. Alexis Gutierrez had a shot at the 15:05 mark, which was once again saved by Leal, showcasing her prowess between the posts. Things heated up as the half went on, with ULM's Inge Konst having a penalty kick opportunity at 21:41. However, Anderson made a crucial save, maintaining the scoreline at 0-0.

In the second half of this fiercely contested women's soccer match, both teams made strategic substitutions to gain the upper hand. The action resumed, and within a few minutes, Mississippi State broke the deadlock at the 48:28 mark with a goal by Maggie Wadsworth, putting them ahead 1-0. The Bulldogs maintained their second-half pressure, earning a corner kick at 49:47 and forcing ULM's Skylar Blaise into a foul at 50:25.

The Wadsworth goal was ultimately the difference-maker in a match that saw the Bulldogs outshoot ULM 19-7, with eight of the shots for State being on target. State also lead in corner kicks taken, 4-2.

The Bulldogs, now 5-1-2, had a non-conference schedule that saw the Bulldogs compete against foes that all came into the matchup unbeaten. Throughout the nonconference stretch, State was ferocious on the defensive end, only conceding four goals across the first eight matches of the season. Maddy Anderson has had an incredible presence in goal and that was no different on Sunday as she earned her 18^th shutout in her Bulldog career.

The Bulldogs will now look to SEC play as they will host Auburn Friday night. The match is slated for a 6:30 kickoff and will be streamed via SEC Network +.

Senior Goalkeeper Maddy Anderson
On the shutout
"It is really huge. We have been giving up some late goals the last couple of games. I think it is just kind of a relief to finally say that we have completed a game. I think we're just going to continue to build off this especially going into SEC play."

Sophomore Forward Maggie Wadsworth
On the goal
"It was honestly a really great feeling. I think we had 20-something shots and only one of them went in but a win is a win and a goal is a goal. We will keep working."

Senior Midfielder Macey Hodge
On being a Bulldog
"It has been amazing being a part of the program. Seeing what the program did for me personally and then being able to watch my teammates alongside me grow during the process has been the biggest blessing. It has been everything to me."

Head Coach James Armstrong

On the Seniors

"You have Macey Hodge and Taylor James who have been here since the minute we got here. Just unbelievable characters on and off the field. They left the jersey in a better place. I do not want to get emotional; I can't say enough about those two for what they have done for this program. We have got Kennedy [White] who came in as a transfer alongside Taylor Thames and Megan Day. Those are big time players who have come in and it takes a special person to just settle in straight away. All three of those ladies settled in right away with the group we got. They have done great for us on and off the field as well. We are going to miss all five of them. I am excited to see what they do in the future but it's one of those things in the job. You are so proud of them, xbut you are sad to see them go. All five have been unbelievable and we are so proud to call them Bulldogs."

For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."

– HailState.com –