No. 2 Mississippi State Completes Perfect SEC Regular Season With Victory At No. 14 South Carolina

Wednesday, October 30

Columbia, S.C.

6 p.m.

Mississippi State

16-1-0, 10-0-0

#14 South Carolina

8-2-7, 5-2-3

Mississippi St.

South Carolina

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

No. 2 Mississippi State Completes Perfect SEC Regular Season With Victory At No. 14 South Carolina

October 30, 2024 | Soccer

Box Score

By: Lance Pardue, Communications Fellow

COLUMBIA, S.C. – With grit, tenacity, and the will of champions, the No. 2 Bulldogs (16-1-0, 10-0-0 SEC) achieved a historic milestone Thursday night by defeating No. 14 South Carolina (8-2-7, 5-2-3 SEC) 2-1. The Bulldogs' victory cemented a flawless 10-0-0 SEC regular-season record, an undefeated run that propels them into postseason play as both SEC regular season champions and one of the nation's top teams. In a crowning achievement, head coach James Armstrong reached his 59th career victory, becoming the all-time winningest coach in program history.

Mississippi State has now set records in nearly every facet of the game this season, boasting a balanced attack and a near-impenetrable defense that has broken long-standing program and conference records alike.

South Carolina opened the match strong, taking an early lead in the 10th minute when Catherine Barry netted her 13th goal of the season off an assist from Corinna Zullo. Mississippi State faced a rare first-half deficit, but true to their fighting spirit, the Bulldogs contained the Gamecocks' offense, holding them to just seven shots in the opening 45 minutes. The Bulldogs, trailing at halftime, took the break to regroup and returned to the field with sharpened focus and determination to secure a comeback victory.

State's resilience paid off in the second half as they relentlessly pressured South Carolina's defense. Hannah Johnson struck first for the Bulldogs in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball to score the equalizer with her second goal of the season. Ten minutes later, Kennedy Husbands netted the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute, sending the Bulldogs into the lead for good with her third goal of the season. State's defense held firm, limiting the Gamecocks to zero second-half shots and securing their 10th SEC win of the season—a historic mark that no Mississippi State team has achieved before.

The Bulldogs' 2024 season has been one of broken records and standout performances. Mississippi State's defensive efforts, anchored by Maddy Anderson, have been nearly impenetrable, setting the standard for excellence in the SEC. The Bulldogs' two goals allowed in conference play are the lowest in history as Anderson currently leads the conference in all major goalkeeping categories, boasting an SEC-best 13 shutouts, a league-low four goals allowed, and a 0.23 goals-against average across all games. Her record-setting season has been equally strong in SEC play, where she leads with eight shutouts, only two goals allowed, and a remarkable goals-against average of 0.20. Anderson's stellar performances have given the Bulldogs the confidence and consistency needed to establish their place at the top.

On the offensive end, Ally Perry has driven the Bulldogs with her relentless pursuit on goal, adding a dynamic threat in every match. Perry ranks No. 1 in the SEC in shots per game (4.18) and No. 2 in total shots (71) across all games, showcasing her consistency and skill. She is also among the conference's top scorers with nine goals and 21 points this season. In SEC play, Perry continues to lead the league with 43 shots and 4.30 shots per game, consistently challenging opposing defenses and contributing to Mississippi State's offensive firepower.

Beyond individual accolades, the Bulldogs' success has come as a unified front. Mississippi State has shattered numerous program records this season, cementing their place among the nation's elite. The Bulldogs' achievements include the program's longest win streak (13 games, dating back to August 29) and longest unbeaten streak (also 13 games). In conference play, Mississippi State set records for the most SEC wins in a single season (10) and the longest SEC win streak (10 games, from September 19 to the present). On home turf, the Bulldogs established their dominance with a record 10 wins this season, while extending both the program's longest home win streak (11 games, from November 11, 2023, to the present) and longest home unbeaten streak (14 games, dating back to September 29, 2023). On the road, Mississippi State has matched their 2001 program record with six road victories, including a new program-record five-game road win streak from September 19 to the present.

Adding to these program milestones, head coach James Armstrong has left an indelible mark on Mississippi State women's soccer. With his 59th career victory, Armstrong now stands as the all-time winningest coach in program history, a reflection of his leadership and commitment to the Bulldogs' rise to prominence. Under Armstrong's guidance, Mississippi State has transformed into a powerhouse program, achieving heights and setting records that few could have imagined just a few years ago.

With the win, State becomes just the fourth program in the history of the Southeastern Conference to complete a perfect record in the SEC (Florida 5x, South Carolina in 2019 and Alabama in 2022).

The Bulldogs now turn their focus to Pensacola, Florida for the 2024 SEC Tournament. The Bulldogs have earned the top seed in the tournament for the first time in program history and will await the winner of the eight and nine seed matchup that features Kentucky and Tennessee going head to head. State will play the 4:30 p.m. contest on Tuesday, Nov. 5 live on the SEC Network.

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 –