Mississippi State
Southern
No. 1 Bulldogs Begin NCAA Tournament Journey With First-Round Matchup Against Southern
November 15, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE — For the first time in program history, the Mississippi State Bulldogs enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed, hosting Southern University in the first round on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5:00 p.m. CT at MSU Soccer Field. After a historic regular season under sixth-year head coach James Armstrong, the Bulldogs ready to bring postseason soccer back to Starkville for the third-consecutive season.Â
State's 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Bulldogs clinched their first-ever SEC Regular Season Championship with a perfect 10-0-0 conference record, becoming just the fourth team in league history to accomplish such a feat and the first in the new 16 team Southeastern Conference. They enter the NCAA Tournament with a stellar 17-2-0 overall record and the nation's best winning percentage (.895).
Although their remarkable 14-match unbeaten streak came to an end in the SEC Tournament semifinals loss to South Carolina, the Bulldogs remain one of the most complete teams in the country. Boasting a dynamic attack and a lockdown defense, Mississippi State has solidified its place among the elite programs in collegiate soccer.
Southern University comes into Starkville riding a wave of momentum after claiming its first SWAC Championship and earning the program's first NCAA Tournament berth. Under ninth-year head coach Jeremy Fontenot, the Jaguars have developed into a competitive program, highlighted by their four-match winning streak that includes all three games in the SWAC Tournament.
Mississippi State's dominance this season has been fueled by its ability to control games on both ends of the field. The Bulldogs have averaged nearly two goals per game while allowing fewer than one every other contest. Their defense, anchored by SEC Defender of the Year Rylie Combs, has been nearly impenetrable, especially at home, where they have yet to concede a single goal this season. Meanwhile, the attack, led by Ally Perry's nine goals and 21 points, has consistently found ways to break down opposing defenses.
In goal, graduate student Maddy Anderson has been a cornerstone for Mississippi State's success. Named the 2024 SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, Anderson has recorded 13 shutouts and boasts a 0.43 goals-against average. Anderson's composure and leadership in net have been instrumental in the Bulldogs' success, especially in high-pressure moments.
For Southern, forward Giftee Tor leads the Jaguars with four goals this season and an impressive .550 shots-on-goal percentage, making her a key player to watch. In goal, Sydney Bellamy has been a steady presence, recording a .813 save percentage and a 1.29 goals-against average.
Mississippi State has made MSU Soccer Field one of the toughest venues for opposing teams. The Bulldogs are unbeaten in their last 14 home matches, including 12 consecutive wins dating back to 2023. This season, they hold a perfect 10-0 record at home and have not conceded a single goal in Starkville. The Bulldogs' ability to dominate at home, combined with their consistent early-game success, makes them a formidable opponent. Under Armstrong, the team is 55-1-6 when scoring first and 36-0-3 when leading at halftime.
This matchup represents a significant milestone for both programs. For Mississippi State, it is an opportunity to showcase the progress the team has made in every season under Armstrong and take another step toward a national championship. For Southern, it is a historic moment, marking their first appearance on the NCAA Tournament stage after years of building under Fontenot's leadership.
Fans are encouraged to pack MSU Soccer Field for this historic matchup. Tickets are available now at hailst.at/SOCTickets. As the Bulldogs continue their journey toward a national championship, StarkVegas is ready to witness another unforgettable chapter in Mississippi State soccer history.
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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