Resilient Dawgs Win Instant Classic Versus Miami, 2-1

Sunday, September 3

Starkville

12:00 p.m.

Mississippi State

4-1-1, 0-0-0

Miami

1-2-3, 0-0-0

Miami

Mississippi St.

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Resilient Dawgs Win Instant Classic Versus Miami, 2-1

September 03, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score Match 6 Miami Boxscore Photo Gallery

By: Lance Pardue, Communications Fellow

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State (4-1-1) celebrated a stunning 2-1 victory over the Miami Hurricanes (1-2-3) in a soccer showdown that will not soon be forgotten by the Maroon and White faithful. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for a pair of tough squads on the pitch, leaving players and fans alike with an unforgettable experience.

The first half was marked by a solid defensive display from both teams, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Miami stunned the home crowd in the 19th minute, seizing the lead with a goal that deflected off a Bulldog on its way into the net, resulting in a team goal. The Hurricanes celebrated as they took a 1-0 advantage into the half.

The Dawgs demonstrated their resilience and determination throughout the game, creating opportunities and showcasing their defensive prowess. State held Miami without a shot in the second half. With the fans' cheers still echoing and the cowbells' resonance, the Dawgs searched for the equalizer late to capitalize on the brilliant attacking opportunities presented in the last 20 minutes.

It wasn't until the 87th minute that Mississippi State found their equalizer. Aitana Martinez-Montoya stepped up to take a penalty kick and confidently buried it in the back of the net, igniting the home crowd's spirits and leveling the score at 1-1. The Dawgs were not done just yet.

As the clock ticked down, the Bulldogs continued their relentless pursuit of victory. In the 89th minute, Ally Perry delivered a moment of pure ecstasy for State. Perry seized an opportunity at a free kick and fired a shot into the net, securing her team's triumph with a 2-1 lead just moments before the final whistle.

Perry expressed her elation after the match, saying, "I cannot even explain how I am feeling right now. After having my season cut short last year, I am really thankful to be given this opportunity. I am so very thankful for this team, and I am glad that everything that I have been working for has paid off."

Perry's words reflected the dedication and resilience that players like her bring to the field, making her game-winning goal even more special.

The match wasn't without its moments of tension and drama, with several players receiving cautions for their challenges. A total of seven yellow cards were shown, highlighting the intensity and competitive nature of the contest.

Turning to the statistics, Mississippi State dominated the offensive front, tallying 18 shots, seven of which were on target, while Miami managed four shots, with two on target. Maddy Anderson masterfully controlled the tempo of the game for the Dawgs and the backline, knowing exactly where to play the ball and quarterbacking the backline.

Head Coach James Armstrong shared his thoughts on the match and the remarkable journey of his players. He said, "I thought we played a really good first half; however, we gave away a soft goal to begin things. We told the girls to be patient and we felt confident that good things were going to come. This is such a special group. They are growing every single day. We have new players who are starting to settle in. Today, you all saw Ally Perry for the first time this season playing significant minutes. I knew she was going to come off the bench and do that in the end, and I couldn't be prouder. It was a big result here at home."

Coach Armstrong also praised the unwavering support of the crowd, saying, "The crowd was unbelievable for a Sunday at noon. Without those guys, I don't think we would have won today. I am super proud of the team effort, and super proud of the community. I could not ask for more." The enthusiastic fans in attendance played their part in motivating the players, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled the Dawg's determination to secure the win.

With this electrifying 2-1 victory over Miami, the Bulldogs have started their season on a strong note and will now look ahead to a road contest at South Alabama on Thursday. The match can be seen via streaming on ESPN+.

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 –