Mississippi State
#1 Arkansas
No. 7 Mississippi State Soccer To Host No. 1 Arkansas In Historic Top 10 Showdown
October 03, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE -Â Friday marks a historic night in the history of State soccer as the seventh-ranked Bulldogs welcome No. 1 Arkansas to Starkville for what promises to be a historic top-10 clash. With both teams currently undefeated in SEC play, the matchup will not only feature two of the best teams in the nation but also mark the highest-ranked contest ever held at the MSU Soccer Field. This is the first time Mississippi State will host the nation's top team and the first time the Bulldogs have been part of a top-10 matchup on their home turf.
The battle between Mississippi State and Arkansas will bring together two of the most balanced teams in the country. Mississippi State's defense, led by Anderson, has allowed just two goals all season, and the team's depth on offense ensures that any player can step up when needed. Arkansas, however, boasts a high-powered attack, averaging 4.80 goals per game, with forwards Ava Tankersley and Kate Doyle leading the charge. Tankersley has eight goals and seven assists this season with Doyle netting eight goals of her own as well.
The Bulldogs enter Friday in top form, coming off a decisive 2-0 win over LSU, improving to 9-1-0 on the season and 3-0-0 in SEC play. Ally Perry, State's leading scorer, shined once again, netting both goals in the victory. The Bulldogs dominated every aspect of the game, outshooting LSU 22-1 and earning 12 corners while preventing LSU from gaining a single corner kick.Â
State's defense, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, has been nearly impenetrable this season, as the Bulldogs are one of three Division 1 programs to allow only two goals through 10 matches. Anderson's exceptional performances in goal have solidified Mississippi State as one of the top defensive teams in the nation. The Seabrook, Texas, native has been instrumental in the Bulldogs' defensive dominance, collecting eight solo shutouts this season (nine combined), improving her career total to 33. Anderson now ranks third in the NCAA for shutouts this year and holds second place in both the NCAA and SEC for goals against average (0.207). Her ability to deny opponents has earned her the highest shutout percentage in the nation (.900) while ranking second in save percentage (.917).
Offensively, Mississippi State has demonstrated remarkable depth, with Ally Perry leading the charge. Perry has netted six goals this season, three of which have been game-winners, and she ranks third in the SEC with 46 total shots, leading the conference in shots per game (4.60). Perry's relentless attacking play has made her one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. The Bulldogs' offense, however, is far from one-dimensional—12 different Bulldogs have found the back of the net this season, a testament to the team's ability to generate goals from all areas of the pitch.
The Bulldogs have transformed MSU Soccer Field into a fortress, extending their home unbeaten streak to 11 matches, including nine consecutive wins. Back-to-back top-10 crowds have added to the electric atmosphere in Starkville, contributing to a strong homefield advantage. Fans have rallied behind the Bulldogs, making every match a must-watch event.
Fans attending Friday's match are in for a night packed with excitement, both on and off the field. The first 600 students in attendance will receive free T-shirts, and the first 250 kids (12 and under) will get free ice cream. Chick-fil-A will also be on-site for food purchases, with Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon pledging to buy the first 100 sandwiches of the night.
Adding to the evening's significance, this matchup marks the annual Think Pink Match, sponsored by OCH Regional Medical Center, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for this important cause.
After the match, the festivities continue with Bulldog Bash featuring Ludacris. A shuttle service will run between MSU Soccer Field and downtown Starkville, allowing fans to enjoy both the game and the concert, making it a night to remember for all Bulldogs.
Friday's match between No. 7 Mississippi State and No. 1 Arkansas will be broadcast live nationally on the SEC Network at 6:00 p.m. CT.
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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