Mississippi State
Missouri
No. 4 State Soccer Set To Host Missouri
October 12, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE - Mississippi State will welcome Missouri to the MSU Soccer Field on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. for a highly anticipated matchup within the SEC as the Bulldogs look to extend their eight game winning streak in front of the Maroon and White faithful.Â
State soccer is in the midst a season for the history books under the leadership of head coach James Armstrong and his staff. The Bulldogs sit at 11-1-0 overall and 5-0-0 in SEC play, marking their best start in program history. Armstrong has methodically built the Bulldogs into a top five program, and their current ranking of No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll is the highest the program has ever achieved.
A pivotal factor in Mississippi State's success has been their elite defensive performances, led by graduate goalkeeper Maddy Anderson. The Seabrook, Texas native has been instrumental in keeping opponents at bay, recording nine solo shutouts this season (10 combined) to bring her career total to 34. Anderson's exceptional shot-stopping ability ranks her third in the NCAA for shutouts this year, and her influence extends beyond just clean sheets. She leads both the NCAA and SEC in goals against average (0.257) and ranks third in the nation in save percentage (.900). Her contributions in goal have made Mississippi State one of the top defensive teams in the country and have been a key reason behind the team's perfect start in conference play.
Offensively, Mississippi State has displayed remarkable depth and versatility. Ally Perry is leading the squad with seven goals, including four game-winners. Perry's ability to create chances has been evident as she ranks third in the SEC in total shots (54) and leads the conference in shots per game (4.42). However, the Bulldogs' attack is not a one-dimensional force—12 different players have found the back of the net this season, showcasing the team's capability to score from all over the pitch. Hannah Johnson leads the team in assists with five, while Aitana Martinez-Montoya has added four goals and two assists, proving to be a reliable force in the attack.
Beyond the individual performances, Mississippi State's depth and collective talent have garnered national recognition. As the season reaches its midpoint, five Bulldogs have been named to TopDrawerSoccer's Top 100 Players of 2024, the most of any team in the country. Macey Hodge, ranked 8th, stands out for her leadership and consistency, having played 7,391 minutes across 84 games with 83 starts since 2020. Ally Perry, ranked 13th, has solidified her place as one of the top strikers in the country, while Alexis Gutierrez, ranked 18th, anchors a defense that leads the nation in goals against average. Ilana Izquierdo, ranked 46th, continues to shine for the Bulldogs after setting a program record for minutes played in 2023, and Rylie Combs, ranked 54th, has been crucial to State's impressive defensive record this season, helping the team notch 10 shutouts.
Missouri, under head coach Stefanie Golan, comes into this match with a 4-7-2 overall record and a 2-3-1 mark in SEC play. The Tigers are coming off a momentum-building 5-0 victory over Ole Miss, highlighted by a historic hat trick from Milena Fischer. Fischer now leads the Tigers with six goals this season and will be a key player to watch against State's formidable defense. Missouri has seen offensive contributions from 11 different players as the Tigers average conceding 1.92 goals per game.
Mississippi State and Missouri are teams with contrasting styles and forms. The Bulldogs have been dominant both offensively and defensively, boasting a +20 goal differential while conceding just three goals all season. Missouri, on the other hand has allowed 25 goals while scoring 19. Mississippi State averages nearly 20 shots per game while Missouri averages 11.3 shots per game.
Mississippi State's clash with Missouri is another chance for the Bulldogs to solidify their place atop the SEC standings and continue their march through a record-setting season. With a stout defense led by Anderson and a multifaceted attack, Mississippi State will look to maintain their perfect SEC record while Missouri fights to build on their recent win and keep their postseason hopes alive.
With plenty at stake for both teams, Mississippi State's International Night promises to be a thrilling encounter on the pitch and a celebration of the Bulldogs' global fan base. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to snag their exclusive scarf and support one of the nation's top soccer programs.
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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