Mississippi State
10-1-0, 4-0-0
#1 Arkansas
9-1-1, 4-1-0
State Soccer Knocks Off No. 1 Arkansas In Front Of Record Crowd
October 04, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer etched its name in the history books with a monumental 1-0 victory over No. 1 Arkansas in front of a record-breaking crowd of 2,617 at MSU Soccer Field on Friday night. Ally Perry's first-half goal proved to be the game-winner, as the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to seven matches and improved to 10-1-0 on the season (4-0-0 SEC).
The No. 7 Bulldogs entered the match full of confidence but aware of the challenge ahead. Arkansas, the reigning SEC champions, had established itself as a powerhouse in recent years, claiming SEC titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023. In fact, the Razorbacks had only lost six regular-season SEC matches over the past five years, highlighting their dominance. Impressively, Mississippi State has now handed Arkansas two of those losses—first with a 2-0 victory in 2022 and now with this latest triumph.
Thursday's match was nothing short of a defensive masterclass from the Bulldogs. State held Arkansas to just five shots, marking the first time since August 19, 2021, that the Razorbacks were limited to five or fewer attempts. That game, against perennial ACC power Duke, underscored just how difficult it is to keep Arkansas at bay. Yet Mississippi State's defensive unit, anchored by their backline and keeper Maddy Anderson, rose to the occasion once again, frustrating the Razorbacks at every turn.
The Bulldogs' defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their 2024 campaign. This victory gave Mississippi State its 10th shutout of the season, further solidifying their reputation as one of the stingiest defenses in the nation. Throughout the season, Mississippi State has consistently kept its opponents' chances to a minimum, which played a crucial role in their rise to the top of the SEC standings.
This win over Arkansas not only represents a significant milestone in program history but also signals Mississippi State's growing status on the national stage as the Bulldogs entered the match ranked seventh in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, sixth in the TopDrawerSoccer Poll and ranked fifth in NCAA RPI.
For a team that has been steadily building momentum under head coach James Armstrong and his staff, the victory over the Razorbacks is a defining moment. It underscores Mississippi State's ability to not only compete with but defeat the nation's best, all while maintaining their identity as a hard-nosed, defensively sound squad. The Razorbacks entered the contest as the nation's most prolific offense, averaging 4.8 goals per game, 23.5 shots per game and had scored 48 goals on the season
Ally Perry's first-half goal proved to be the game-winne as she found the back of the net in the 20th minute, scoring off of a Bulldog corner kick after relentless pressure from the Bulldogs' attack to start the match. Perry bested Arkansas keeper Keegan Smith, marking her seventh goal of the season and fourth game winner. Mississippi State dominated the first half, outshooting the Razorbacks 10-1, and continued to press throughout the match.
The No. 1 Razorbacks (9-1-1, 4-1-0 SEC) struggled to break down a resilient Mississippi State defense. Arkansas pushed for an equalizer in the second half but managed only five shots, with just one on target, as State's defense held firm.
The victory marks Mississippi State's first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team and solidifies their position as a contender in the SEC. The Bulldogs now hold a perfect 4-0 record in conference play.
Key Moments:
- 19:42 – Ally Perry scored the lone goal of the match, putting Mississippi State ahead on an Olimpico goal.
- 60:50 – Arkansas' Anaiyah Robinson fired a shot on goal, but Maddy Anderson made a critical save to preserve the Bulldogs' lead.
Up Next: Mississippi State will look to continue its winning form when they travel to face Georgia on Thursday, Oct. 10.Â
Scoring Summary:
- 19:42 – MSU: Ally Perry (unassisted)
Shots:
- Arkansas: 5 (1 SOG)
- Mississippi State: 15 (6 SOG)
Saves:
- Arkansas: 5 (Keegan Smith)
- Mississippi State: 1 (Maddy Anderson)
Quoting Head Coach James Armstrong:
On The Crowd
JA: "[The fans] really showed up and showed out tonight. They were boisterous, they were energetic. They had choices, they could have gone to the Bulldog Bash. All lot of people put a lot of hard work in to make this possible. But for [the fans] to choose us tonight, I could almost get emotional. It was incredible."
Quoting Maddy Anderson:
On The Defense
MA: "It's like I'm watching superheroes work in front of me. You see Macey flying one way and Ilana flying the other. Bux [Alivia Buxton], Ally [Perry], all of them are working so hard. Our midfield is key to our team. They help get the ball down and screen players, so they don't get to our backline. They honestly are work horses. They run like nine miles a game. I don't know how they do it, that's crazy to me."
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
Ally Perry (7)
GOAL by MSU Perry, Ally.
19:42
