Mississippi State
Washington
No. 1 State Soccer Set To Host Washington In NCAA Round Of 32
November 21, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE- Top-seeded Mississippi State continues its historic season on Friday evening as the Bulldogs host Washington in the NCAA Round of 32. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. CT at MSU Soccer Field, where the Bulldogs will look to extend their perfect home record and secure a spot in the Sweet 16 for just the second time in program history. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams and Washington's inaugural visit to the state of Mississippi, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Starkville. The winner of this match will advance to Sunday's Sweet 16, where they will face the victor of the day's earlier matchup between Kentucky and Notre Dame, set for 2:30 p.m. CT. Sunday's Sweet 16 match is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. CT kickoff at MSU Soccer Field, ensuring fans in Starkville a weekend full of high-stakes action.Â
Mississippi State enters the matchup on the heels of a commanding 7-0 victory over Southern University in the NCAA Tournament First Round. The Bulldogs delivered a performance for the ages, outshooting their opponent 38-0—a feat unmatched by any team in the tournament field—and breaking yet another attendance record at MSU Soccer Field. Over 3,000 fans packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that further solidified Starkville as one of the premier home-field advantages in college soccer.
For head coach James Armstrong, who has guided the Bulldogs to unprecedented heights in his six years at the helm, this match represents another chapter in a season defined by excellence. Mississippi State, boasting a 10-0-0 record in Southeastern Conference play, captured its first-ever SEC Regular Season Championship earlier this year, becoming only the fourth program in league history to achieve a perfect conference season. With an 18-2-0 overall record, the Bulldogs have outscored opponents 44-8 and lead the nation in goals-against average (0.40).
The visiting Washington Huskies present a formidable challenge. Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Nicole Van Dyke, the Huskies have demonstrated remarkable resilience, advancing to the NCAA Round of 32 through consecutive penalty shootout victories. Washington defeated No. 17 Iowa in the confernce tournament and No. 25 Utah State in the opening round without scoring in regulation or overtime, relying on their defensive prowess and the heroics of goalkeeper Mia Hamant. Hamant has been a standout all season, recording a .882 save percentage and a 0.63 goals-against average. Washington's defense has conceded just four goals in its last 11 matches, making them one of the toughest teams to break down in postseason play.
Statistically, the matchup pits two styles against one another. Mississippi State's high-octane offense has averaged 2.20 goals per game and 18.1 shots per match, led by Ally Perry, who has netted 10 goals and recorded 24 points this season. Hannah Johnson has been the team's top playmaker, tallying eight assists, while senior forward Aitana Martinez-Montoya has contributed seven goals and five assists. On the other hand, Washington has relied on its disciplined defensive structure, allowing just 0.55 goals per game while taking a more deliberate approach on offense, averaging 1.20 goals and 13.7 shots per match.
The Bulldogs' dominance at MSU Soccer Field has been a defining feature of their season. Mississippi State has turned its home venue into a fortress, extending its home unbeaten streak to 15 matches, including 13 consecutive wins dating back to 2023. This year, the Bulldogs are a perfect 11-0 at home and have yet to allow a goal in Starkville. Friday's match offers a chance to extend that streak and give the Bulldog faithful yet another reason to celebrate in what has been a season of firsts.
Scoring the first goal will be critical for both teams. Under Armstrong, Mississippi State has a near-flawless record when taking an early lead, going 56-1-6 when scoring first and 37-0-3 when holding an advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs' ability to seize control early and maintain their composure under pressure has been a hallmark of their success, and it will be put to the test against a Washington side that thrives on close matches and defensive battles.
Friday's match promises to be a clash of styles, a test of mental toughness, and an opportunity for Mississippi State to continue rewriting the record books. As the Bulldogs march toward their ultimate goal of a national championship, they will rely on their home crowd, their relentless defense, and their dynamic attack to propel them past a formidable Washington squad. With history on the line and the prospect of a Sweet 16 match on their home turf, MSU Soccer Field is set to host another unforgettable night in Starkville.
| Statistical Category | Mississippi State | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 44 | 24 |
| Goals/Game | 2.20 | 1.20 |
| Goals Allowed/Game | 0.40 | 0.55 |
| Shots/Game | 18.1 | 13.7 |
| Shots on Goal % | .391 | .365 |
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