Mississippi State
14-1-0, 8-0-0
Kentucky
10-3-4, 2-3-4
No. 3 Mississippi State Defeats Kentucky In Front Of Record-Breaking Crowd, Sets New Program Record For Wins
October 24, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – History was made in Starkville on Thursday night as No. 3 Mississippi State soccer wrapped up the final regular season match at the MSU Soccer Field in thrilling fashion with a 1-0 victory over Kentucky. In front of a program-record crowd, the Bulldogs not only secured their 11th consecutive win but also set a slew of milestones that will be remembered for years to come.
The victory pushed State's overall record to 14-1-0, setting a new program mark for most wins in a single season. The Bulldogs also completed a perfect 10-0 campaign at home, becoming the first team in school history to go undefeated at the MSU Soccer Field. Perhaps even more impressive, they did so without conceding a single goal on their home turf all season, finishing with 10 shutouts overall—another new program record.
The MSU Soccer Field has become a fortress for the Maroon and White faithful over the last two seasons as the Bulldogs extended their home unbeaten streak to 14 matches including 12 consecutive wins. The team has now drawn back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back top ten crowds with four of the top five coming in 2024.Â
The game's turning point came in the 25th minute after relentless pressure from Mississippi State. Moments earlier, the Bulldogs had advanced deep into Kentucky's defensive third around the 23rd minute but couldn't get a shot off. When Kentucky attempted to reset with a goal kick, MSU quickly reclaimed possession and launched another attack.
Chelsea Wagner sent a powerful cross from the left wing, catching Kentucky goalkeeper Marzia Josephson off guard. Though Josephson dove to intercept it, Kennedy Husbands was perfectly placed in the box to meet the ball, redirecting it into the net to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead for her second goal of the season.
Mississippi State's dominance was evident from the opening whistle. The Bulldogs controlled possession and dictated the pace of play, holding Kentucky to just four shots the entire match. The Wildcats only managed one shot on target, easily handled by MSU goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, who added her 12th clean sheet (13 combined)Â to her record-setting season.
Once gaining advantage, State contined to press and create opportunities. The Bulldogs finished with eight shots, three of which were on goal, while maintaining pressure on Kentucky's backline throughout the night.
Mississippi State's defense was once again impenetrable, as it has been all season, especially at home. The backline allowed Kentucky just two corner kicks and snuffed out any potential threats. With Thursday's result, MSU has now gone a remarkable 900 minutes of soccer at home this season without allowing a goal.
The physical nature of the match was highlighted by 37 combined fouls. Despite the intensity, MSU's defense remained disciplined, as it has throughout their record-setting year.
The Bulldogs now own sole possession of the Southeastern Conference as they head into the final two games of the regular season. The Dawgs are set to head to Bryan-College Station, Texas for a meeting with the Aggies of Texas A&M on Sunday at 5 p.m. CT before closing the 2024 regular season in Columbia, South Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 30. with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT.Â
Quoting Head Coach James Armstrong:
On The Record Breaking Crowd
JA: "Honestly, it was not just a total team effort, it was a total Mississippi State effort. Without the crowd I honestly do not think that we get the result that we did. We needed each and every person that came here tonight. The [fans] were unbelievable and the band was great. Everyone was ringing their cowbells and it was a soccer crowd. The fans pushed us through to the finish line."
Quoting Kennedy Husbands:Â
On Being A Newcomer On A Veteran Team
KH: "I love this group of girls. They never leave anyone out. It is the definition of a great team. We all love each other and we are excited to continue to keep the course down the stretch."
Match Statistics
- Shots: STATEÂ 8, Kentucky 4
- Shots on Goal: STATEÂ 3, Kentucky 1
- Corners: STATEÂ 3, Kentucky 2
- Fouls: STATEÂ 21, Kentucky 16
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
Kennedy Husbands (2)
Assisted By: Chelsea Wagner
GOAL by MSST Husbands, Kennedy Assist by Wagner, Chelsea.
24:48
