Mississippi State
5-1-0, 0-0-0
South Alabama
2-3-0, 0-0-0
Dawgs Strike Late To Secure Sunday Victory Over South Alabama
September 01, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE - Mississippi State soccer (5-1-0) secured a hard-fought 1-nil victory over South Alabama (2-3-0) in a thrilling contest at the MSU Soccer Field on Sunday. With the cowbells roaring throughout the match, the Dawgs delivered a last-minute win, thanks to a clutch goal by Ally Perry in the 89th minute.
State dominated the offensive side, outshooting South Alabama 29-3 and maintaining pressure with eight corner kicks compared to South Alabama's one. Despite creating chances throughout the day, the Bulldogs searched for the go ahead goal until the final moments of the match.
In the 89th minute, Rylie Combs set up the decisive play with a precise assist to Ally Perry, who netted her first goal of the season. The goal marked Perry's second career game-winner and her fourth goal in the Maroon and White. The grit and determination of captain Macey Hodge to keep the ball in the box allowed the play to develop fully as Jaguars and Bulldogs fought valiantly to secure possession for their side, with the Dawgs taking the opportunity to add another win to their growing résumé.
Maddy Anderson, who played the full 90 minutes in goal for Mississippi State, recorded one save on the day, securing her fifth clean sheet of the season and is now tied for sixth all time within the SEC with 30 career shutouts. Anderson's steady presence in goal, coupled with a strong defensive effort, limited South Alabama to just one shot on goal.
South Alabama's Kate Nicolson was the lone Jaguar to register a shot on goal, while Bonnie Frost attempted two shots that were off target. Goalkeeper Allison Luckhardt was kept busy, making six saves to keep South Alabama in the match.
The match was physical, with South Alabama picking up two yellow cards. Melina Descary received a caution in the 30th minute, and Mae Hunt was booked in the 89th minute, just before Mississippi State's game-winning goal.
Mississippi State will look to carry this week's momentum on the road for their next contest when they travel to Ruston for a meeting with Louisiana Tech on Thursday. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. and will be streamed via ESPN+
Quoting Head Coach James Armstrong
On Sunday's Match
JA: "The girls were patient and kept going all the way until the final whistle. I think that says a lot about their character and the belief within the group. They all felt that they were going to get [a goal], it was just a matter of when. Thankfully we were able to get one before the final whistle and it was a great finish by Ally Perry."
Quoting Midfielder Ally Perry
On The Game Winner
AP: "I have been waiting a long time [to score] and it was a very rewarding feeling. I am very happy I could put [the ball] in the back of the net for our team and secure a result for us today."
Match Summary
- Score:Â Mississippi State 1, South Alabama 0
- Goal: Ally Perry (89') | Assist: Rylie Combs
- Attendance:Â 779
- Shots: Mississippi State 29, South Alabama 3
- Corners: Mississippi State 8, South Alabama 1
- Fouls: Mississippi State 9, South Alabama 12
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 (1)
Assisted By: Rylie Combs
GOAL by MSU Perry, Ally Assist by Combs, Rylie.
89:00
