Mississippi State
Abilene Christian
State Soccer Hosts Abilene Christian On Thursday, New Kickoff Time Set For 7:30 PM Due To Incoming Weather
September 11, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer is back on the pitch on Thursday, September 12, hosting Abilene Christian at the MSU Soccer Field. Due to incoming weather in the Starkville area, kickoff has been rescheduled to 7:30 p.m. CT.
The Bulldogs (5-1-0) eagerly make their return to the pitch following an 11-day break due to last week's cancelation and the first time since securing a 1-nil victory over South Alabama. Thursday marks the first-ever meeting between Mississippi State and Abilene Christian.
Maddy Anderson has cemented her status as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation, with an impressive 30 career shutouts. In 2024, she has already recorded five shutouts, placing her third nationally. Among active SEC players, Anderson ranks second in both career shutouts and total saves, showcasing her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. She also ranks third in the conference with an average of 0.42 shutouts per game and fourth with a goals against average (GAA) of 0.86. Anderson's leadership and shot-stopping abilities have anchored MSU's formidable backline under Coach Drago Ceranic, playing a key role in their hot start this season.
Macey Hodge continues to be a driving force for Mississippi State. Hodge's contributions go far beyond individual accolades, as her leadership and skill have been instrumental in the team's historic achievements. In her Bulldog career, Hodge has played in 79 matches, starting in 78 of them. Since joining MSU as a redshirt freshman in 2020, she has logged 6,979 minutes, making her one of the most impactful players to ever don the Maroon and White.
In the James Armstrong era, Mississippi State is 45-1-6 when scoring first and boasts a 28-0-3 record when leading at halftime, underscoring the team's ability to maintain control of matches once they take the lead. Mississippi State enters week four ranked No. 24Â in the TopDrawerSoccer poll and has now been ranked for nine consecutive weeks dating back to 2023. Additionally, the Bulldogs are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.
Scouting The Wildcats
The Wildcats, led by second-year head coach Stephen Salas, are aiming for a strong 2024 season as they look to qualify for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament, which they will host in November. Key players include senior forward Chayse Thorn, who scored 14 goals in 2023, defender Macie Stephens, midfielder Taylor Sarver (Denn), and goalkeeper Lili Ross, who has 38 career saves. ACU's recruiting class has brought depth and added competition to the roster.
Match Information:
- Opponent: Abilene Christian
- Date: Thursday, September 12
- Time: 7:30 PM CT
- Location: MSU Soccer Field, Starkville, Miss.
- Live Stats
- Watch Live
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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