Mississippi State
13-1-0, 7-0-0
Ole Miss
5-11-1, 0-7-1
No. 3 Mississippi State Defeats Ole Miss 2-0 For Fifth Straight Magnolia Cup Victory
October 19, 2024 | Soccer
OXFORD, Miss. – The No. 3 Mississippi State Bulldogs (13-1-0, 7-0-0 SEC) continue to make history, claiming their fifth consecutive Magnolia Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over in-state rival Ole Miss (5-11-1, 0-7-1 SEC) on Friday night. The win extends MSU's current winning streak to ten games, ties the program record for most victories in a single season, and marks the team's 12th shutout of the year. In addition, the Bulldogs' perfect 7-0-0 start in SEC play is a new milestone for the program, reflecting their unprecedented dominance this season.
From the opening whistle, Mississippi State set the tone. Sophomore forward Zoe Main wasted no time getting her team on the board, scoring just over a minute into the match. Assisted by midfielder Ally Perry, Main delivered a clinical finish to give the Bulldogs an early lead that would stand for the remainder of the contest. The goal marked the fastest scored for either program in the history of the Magnolia Cup.
Although the Rebels tried to claw their way back into the game, the stout MSU defense was unyielding. Senior goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, who leads the nation in goals-against average, turned in another outstanding performance with four saves, ensuring her 11th (12th total) clean sheet of the season. Anderson's leadership in goal, coupled with a disciplined backline, has been central to State's ability to stifle opposing attacks all season.
The game saw moments of heightened physicality, especially in the second half when four yellow cards were handed out. Both teams showed intensity typical of this storied rivalry, but Mississippi State kept its composure under pressure. MSU doubled its advantage in the 87th minute when Main found the back of the net once again, this time with perfect service from Aitana Martinez-Montoya, sealing the victory with the brace to give State their fifth straight Magnolia Cup, a feat not seen by either program until tonight.
For Ole Miss, goalkeeper Shu Ohba had a busy night, registering eight saves to keep the Rebels within reach. Despite their best efforts, however, Ole Miss couldn't break through the Bulldogs' defensive wall, as they remained winless in SEC play.
The Bulldogs return home for the final time in the 2024 regular season when they welcome Kentucky to the MSU Soccer Field at 6:30 p.m.Â
Team Statistics:
- Shots: STATEÂ 19, OLE 8
- Shots on Goal: STATEÂ 10, OLE 4
- Saves: STATEÂ 4, OLE 8
- Corner Kicks: STATEÂ 4, OLE 4
- Fouls: STATEÂ 8, OLE 12
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 –
Team Stats
Zoe Main (4)
Assisted By: Ally Perry
GOAL by MSU Main, Zoe Assist by Perry, Ally.
01:03
Zoe Main (4)
Assisted By: Aitana Martinez-Montoya
GOAL by MSU Main, Zoe Assist by Martinez-Montoya, Aitana.
86:51
