The Mississippi State soccer team (3-7, 0-0 SEC) will look to put an end to a pair of losing skids on Friday afternoon as the Bulldogs suit up to begin their conference slate against SEC West rival Arkansas (4-7, 0-0) at the Mississippi State Soccer Field. Game time is set for 3 p.m. The two teams will post near-mirror images of each other when the Maroon and White and the Lady ‘Backs meet on the field Friday afternoon. Both have had their share of troubles in the non-conference portion of their respective schedules, with State riding a four-game skid into the contest.
Mississippi State dropped a tough 2-1 contest to Samford on Sunday afternoon, despite posting a 24-6 shot advantage. Arkansas, which dropped six of its first seven contests of the campaign, has rebounded to win three of its last four and will bring a two-game overall winning streak, as well as a six-game series winning streak, into Starkville. The Lady ‘Backs posted their fourth win of the season on Wednesday evening against Louisiana-Monroe in Fayetteville and have not lost to the Bulldogs since a 1-0 overtime contest in 1996.
“Our team is anxious to get back on the field, and are very much looking forward to SEC competition,” said Mississippi State head coach Neil McGuire, who will be looking for his 25th career victory Friday. “No game will be easy as every team will be as motivated for success as the next. “Arkansas is one of the best true soccer playing teams in this conference, and possibly the country, and will prove very difficult opponents. They have excellent ball movement and always pose an offensive threat. It is a good matchup. Both teams will want to get off to a good start, and the action will be fun to watch. We look forward to a great crowd.”
Arkansas will be led into the weekend by junior forward Julie Williford who, after leading the Lady ‘Backs in scoring last season, continues to do so this season on the strength of two assists and a team-high seven goals.
Williford has accounted for game-winning goals in two of Arkansas’ four victories. The Red and White have split time between a pair of netminders this season, with senior Megan Bals getting a majority of the action while posting 27 saves on a 2.83 goals against average.
On the flipside, State will be led into the contest by sophomores Amy Van Zandt (5 G, 2 A)and Jessi Moore (3 G, 6 A) who, together, have accounted for nearly half of MSU1s total offensive output. However, the Dawgs have gotten productive minutes from a variety of freshmen as well, including both Heather Ammann (3 G) and Betty Ann Casey (2 G). State has also had its share of defensive stars over the last three games, including freshman keeper Courtney Hubert (2.33 GAA, 9 saves), who has held her own inside the nets.
Following Friday’s action, the Bulldogs will return home on Sunday to close out a three-game homestand against LSU at 1 p.m. Admission to all 2002 Mississippi State home games is free.