No. 4 State Soccer Defeats Georgia In Thrilling SEC Showdown

Thursday, October 10

Athens, Ga.

5:30 p.m.

Mississippi State

11-1-0, 5-0-0

Georgia

6-4-4, 2-2-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Mississippi St.	0	2	2
Georgia	1	0	1

No. 4 State Soccer Defeats Georgia In Thrilling SEC Showdown

October 10, 2024 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

By: Lance Pardue, Communications Fellow

ATHENS, Ga. – A pair of second half goals propelled No. 4 Mississippi State to a 2-1 victory over Georgia in Athens, improving their overall record to 11-1-0 and maintaining an ever-important 5-0-0 mark in Southeastern Conference play, securing three more points in the standings on Thursday.

The game began with an unexpected challenge for State, as Georgia's Margie Detrizio found the net just 1:20 into the match, assisted by Hannah White to put UGA up 1-nil, marking the first time a conference foe had scored versus State's defense. The early goal marked only the third allowed on the season and the first since August 25th at Wake Forest. Despite this early setback, Mississippi State demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess as they went into the locker room facing a deficit for the first time in 2024.

State came into the second half determined to not only find the equalizer, but also the game winner. Zoe Main broke through for the Bulldogs, drawing a foul in the box while bobbing and weaving with five Georgia jerseys to earn a penalty kick for the Maroon and White. After VAR assistance, the kick was awarded and Aitana Martinez-Montoya made her way to the spot to convert at the 52:23 mark, leveling the score at 1-1. This pivotal goal reinvigorated State, who continued to press for the lead.

As the match approached its final moments, State showed just why the sport is considered the beautiful game. A textbook build up allowed Ilana Izquierdo to deliver the decisive blow, scoring in the 85th minute via service from Hannah Johnson. With the game-winning service, Johnson picked up her team leading fifth assist to seal the comeback victory for State and keep them in poll position within the SEC race.

86' || The buildup and an absolute beauty to give State the lead!

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 » 2
Georgia » 1 #HailState🐶 || 📺 SECN+ pic.twitter.com/J9IwJ1yz1G
— Mississippi State Soccer (@HailStateSOC) October 11, 2024

With this win, State has now set the program record for the most SEC wins in a single season in program history with five. Additionally, the 2024 squad is currently tied for the longest win streak in program history and longest unbeaten streak, both at eight games. The Bulldogs also have now established a new record for the longest SEC win streak at five.

The win also marks three-straight 10+ win seasons for Head Coach James Armstrong and his staff who continue to rewrite the Mississippi State soccer record books.

The No. 4 Bulldogs return home Sunday for a matchup with Missouri. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. as Mississippi State will be celebrating International Night at the MSU Soccer Field. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their 2024 MSU Soccer Scarf.

Match Statistics:

- Shots: STATE 18 (6 on target), UGA 10 (5 on target)
- Saves: STATE 4, UGA 4
- Corner Kicks: STATE 4, UGA 2
- Fouls: STATE 16, UGA 14

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 –