
Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
State Set to Close Home Stand with an Early Sunday Duel Against Miami
September 02, 2023 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State (3-1-1) has the stage set for yet another exhilarating Power-5 women's soccer showdown as they host the Hurricanes of Miami (1-1-3) on Sunday at Noon.  With both teams eager to make their mark in the nonconference portion of the 2023 season, this match promises to be a thrilling contest between two talented squads.
The Dawgs welcome in ACC for Miami for the third overall meeting between the two programs. The Dawgs and Hurricanes first met on the pitch on September 1, 2000, before their renewal of the rivalry in 2022 at Miami. Last season, the battle resulted in a 0-0 tie, however, State created offensive pressure throughout by amassing 26 shots with 11 of them finding the goal. This history of closely contested matches only adds to the intrigue surrounding this upcoming clash, as both teams aim to tip the scales in their favor.
Miami's journey in the 2022 season was nothing short of impressive. They concluded the campaign on a high note, securing five home wins and achieving five shutouts, marking their highest tally in six seasons. With 74 percent of their roster returning, including seven starters, the Hurricanes have a veteran presence on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais is back for her fifth season and is a key figure in Miami's defense. Dagenais led the ACC in saves per game with an astonishing 4.81 last season, showcasing her incredible shot-stopping abilities. Co-leading goal scorer Lauren Meeks, now in her junior year, is eager to make this season a breakout campaign.
Adding to the excitement, Miami welcomes eight newcomers to their 2023 roster, all of whom are freshmen. These fresh faces will join the ranks of the 17 returning letter winners, creating a dynamic blend of experience and youthful energy on the field. Head Coach Barnes and her team are determined to build upon their past successes.
The Dawgs are eager to rewrite their own narrative in the 2023 season. While trailing in the historical series against Miami, the Bulldogs are determined to turn the tide and notch a victory to their name.
Aitana Martinez-Montoya and Illena Izquierdo have found the back of the net twice apiece, accounting for 4 of 7 goals scored by the Dawgs this season. This dynamic duo has injected new life into the Bulldogs' attack, and their ability to find the back of the net will be a crucial factor in the outcome of this match.
A driving force behind Mississippi State's triumphs is their standout goalkeeper, Maddy Anderson. Anderson has been a rock-solid presence in goal for State since she stepped on campus and has had a fantastic start to her senior campaign. Having played in all four matches this season, Anderson's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. With 432 minutes and 31 seconds under her belt, she has conceded only two goals, maintaining an outstanding goals-against average (GAA) of 0.42. Her agility and skill have allowed her to make 11 saves, showcasing her impressive save percentage of .867. Anderson's ability to secure clean sheets is evident with two consecutive shutouts to her name, and her dominance in the box has been a key factor in repelling a total of 31 shots from opponents. Anderson has solidified her place as the all-time leading shutouts record holder during her tenure as the Bulldog Keeper, boasting an impressive tally of 18 shutouts.
Under Coach Armstrong, State is 33-0-4 (3-0-0 this season) when scoring first. In the same time span, the Dawgs are 23-0-1 when leading at halftime. MSU is 23-1-2 when scoring multiple goals. These statistics underline the Bulldogs' ability to take control early in matches and maintain their lead, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, both teams find themselves at the cusp of a new season filled with possibilities. With Miami's past successes, the emergence of transfer talents, the goal-scoring prowess of the Bulldogs, and the solid presence of Maddy Anderson in goal, this match promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
Be sure to tune in on Sunday at noon and witness the magic on the soccer field as these two teams go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.
The matchup will be featured on SECN+ via streaming and admission to all MSU Soccer Matches is free.
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."
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The Dawgs welcome in ACC for Miami for the third overall meeting between the two programs. The Dawgs and Hurricanes first met on the pitch on September 1, 2000, before their renewal of the rivalry in 2022 at Miami. Last season, the battle resulted in a 0-0 tie, however, State created offensive pressure throughout by amassing 26 shots with 11 of them finding the goal. This history of closely contested matches only adds to the intrigue surrounding this upcoming clash, as both teams aim to tip the scales in their favor.
Miami's journey in the 2022 season was nothing short of impressive. They concluded the campaign on a high note, securing five home wins and achieving five shutouts, marking their highest tally in six seasons. With 74 percent of their roster returning, including seven starters, the Hurricanes have a veteran presence on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais is back for her fifth season and is a key figure in Miami's defense. Dagenais led the ACC in saves per game with an astonishing 4.81 last season, showcasing her incredible shot-stopping abilities. Co-leading goal scorer Lauren Meeks, now in her junior year, is eager to make this season a breakout campaign.
Adding to the excitement, Miami welcomes eight newcomers to their 2023 roster, all of whom are freshmen. These fresh faces will join the ranks of the 17 returning letter winners, creating a dynamic blend of experience and youthful energy on the field. Head Coach Barnes and her team are determined to build upon their past successes.
The Dawgs are eager to rewrite their own narrative in the 2023 season. While trailing in the historical series against Miami, the Bulldogs are determined to turn the tide and notch a victory to their name.
Aitana Martinez-Montoya and Illena Izquierdo have found the back of the net twice apiece, accounting for 4 of 7 goals scored by the Dawgs this season. This dynamic duo has injected new life into the Bulldogs' attack, and their ability to find the back of the net will be a crucial factor in the outcome of this match.
A driving force behind Mississippi State's triumphs is their standout goalkeeper, Maddy Anderson. Anderson has been a rock-solid presence in goal for State since she stepped on campus and has had a fantastic start to her senior campaign. Having played in all four matches this season, Anderson's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. With 432 minutes and 31 seconds under her belt, she has conceded only two goals, maintaining an outstanding goals-against average (GAA) of 0.42. Her agility and skill have allowed her to make 11 saves, showcasing her impressive save percentage of .867. Anderson's ability to secure clean sheets is evident with two consecutive shutouts to her name, and her dominance in the box has been a key factor in repelling a total of 31 shots from opponents. Anderson has solidified her place as the all-time leading shutouts record holder during her tenure as the Bulldog Keeper, boasting an impressive tally of 18 shutouts.
Under Coach Armstrong, State is 33-0-4 (3-0-0 this season) when scoring first. In the same time span, the Dawgs are 23-0-1 when leading at halftime. MSU is 23-1-2 when scoring multiple goals. These statistics underline the Bulldogs' ability to take control early in matches and maintain their lead, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, both teams find themselves at the cusp of a new season filled with possibilities. With Miami's past successes, the emergence of transfer talents, the goal-scoring prowess of the Bulldogs, and the solid presence of Maddy Anderson in goal, this match promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
Be sure to tune in on Sunday at noon and witness the magic on the soccer field as these two teams go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.
The matchup will be featured on SECN+ via streaming and admission to all MSU Soccer Matches is free.
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– HailState.com –
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