Senior Night Features Battle Of The Bulldogs Thursday

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer will celebrate the four members of its senior class on Thursday night as the Bulldogs host Louisiana Tech at 6:30 p.m. CT. The battle of the Bulldogs will air on SEC Network+.

The match will feature two teams committed to playing possession-oriented soccer. State has managed to have more possession in every one of its wins this year, and posted a season-high 70 percent of possession against Jacksonville State. MSU's dominance on the ball was on display last weekend as the Bulldogs possessed for more than 11 of the final 13 minutes of play at Oklahoma State.

State has posted two shutouts so far, and six different players have scored a goal through four contests. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech has been shut out in three consecutive matches while allowing at least 20 shots in each of those.

Mississippi State's four seniors that will be recognized pregame are Nancy Almanza, Chelsea Wagner, Naila Schoefberger and Ally Perry. Wagner and Schoefberger transferred into the program prior to the 2024 season, while Almanza joined the team this year. Perry has played in Starkville for five seasons.

Along with Almanza, Kyra Taylor was an incoming transfer this season after playing two years at Louisiana Tech. While playing for the red and blue Bulldogs, Taylor led the team in shots and shots on goal last fall and was the 2023 C-USA Freshman of the Year.

Kicking Off

Bounce Back Bulldogs: MSU is 6-0-2 following a loss since then after claiming a 1-0 win at Oklahoma State on Sunday. The Bulldogs have not lost consecutive matches since Sept. 21-24, 2023.

Our Ball: The Bulldogs have had more time of possession in three of four matches this year, winning each of those games.

It Could Be Anyone: State's six goals have been scored by six different players and 10 players have at least one point.

The Little Bulldozer: Nicknamed the Little Bulldozer by head coach Nick Zimmerman, freshman Tatum Borman has played a key role early, starting every match. Her first career goal was the game-winner on Sunday.

Offense From Defense: Defenders or goalkeepers have recorded four of State's seven assists this year and three of its six goals. Sarah Wommack is the first Bulldog keeper to record a point since 2021 and the first with an assist since 2017.

About Louisiana Tech (1-4-1, 0-0-0 C-USA)

Rankings: United Soccer Coaches – NR | TopDrawerSoccer – NR
Head Coach: Steve Voltz | Record at LATC: 22-42-15 (5th Year) | Career Record: 24-58-15 (6th Year)

Series History

Notables

Both Bulldog squads spent last weekend in Oklahoma, playing just 70 miles apart against Oklahoma State and Oral Roberts on Sunday. Louisiana Tech lost their matchup with ORU, 3-0. The visiting Bulldogs have not scored in three straight matches, a scoreless drought of 275:06. In all three of those matches, they have allowed at least 20 shots to their opponent. However, only two teams have managed to score against Louisiana Tech in the first half this season, and both are SEC squads (Alabama, Oklahoma). Madison Pensom leads the way offensively with a goal and two assists.

Next Up

MSU is back on the road on Sunday to close out non-conference play. The Bulldogs will play at South Alabama at 2 p.m. with the match airing on ESPN+.

Follow the Bulldogs

For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."

Senior Night Features Battle Of The Bulldogs Thursday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Nancy Almanza

Tatum Borman

Ally Perry

Naila Schoefberger

Kyra Taylor

Chelsea Wagner

Sarah Wommack

Mississippi State University Athletics

Senior Night Features Battle Of The Bulldogs Thursday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Nancy Almanza

Tatum Borman

Ally Perry

Naila Schoefberger

Kyra Taylor

Chelsea Wagner

Sarah Wommack

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