The dream season for the Mississippi State University soccer team unfortunately came up short. It was the Bulldog’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and they were up against the Lipscomb University Lady Bisons. Both teams were tied as they went into double overtime, but in the 109th minute, Lipscomb’s Dominique Diller scored the game-winning goal.
“I want to give my congratulations to Lipscomb and their victory,” head coach Tom Anagnost said. “We did score two goals, they didn’t count. This game is different, it hurts more because it’s the last one.”
The Bulldogs put the ball in the back of the net twice, but the referees disallowed both goals for an offsides and a foul. However, Anagnost was very intent on not blaming the loss on the opponent or on the officials.
“The refs didn’t decide the game, we didn’t make the play in the box that counted,” Anagnost said.
The winning goal was a heartbreaker, as a Bison kick from midfield deflected off of Bulldogs’ midfielder Carly Mauldin, a senior from Laurel, to enter the goal, and Lipscomb scored off of a goal by MSU.
“She (Mauldin) was in a good spot where it hit and it went right to the corner,” Mauldin said.
This MSU team was very aggressive throughout the match with 28 shots and a season high of 13 corners. Their defense was phenomenal, keeping the Lady Bison’s scoreless until the end. Goal keeper Rylee DeCrane had two saves throughout the game. Mauldin said she thought they played pretty well.
“Today we had the ball the whole game,” Mauldin said. “It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t take care of what needed to be done. I don’t think we played bad.”
Zakirah McGillivary, a freshman from Brooklyn, commended her teammates for an amazing season. McGillivary had an opportunity to score, but the ball soared high over the net. McGillivary is the Bulldogs’ leading scorer, with 8 goals this season.
“It’s been an honor playing alongside my five amazing seniors,” McGillivary said.
Even with the loss, Anagost remained positive about his team as he has seen a lot of growth from them over the past few years. While the season is over, it was still an amazing year for the team.
“Reflecting, it’s been an incredible year for this program, and a remarkable season for me personally. From where we were til now, it’s just been dramatic,” Anagnost said. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been in every single game. Had a chance to tie or win every single time, and I’m really proud of that. It’s a reflection of the people we have on our team. They work hard, are committed and they are high-character people.”
Anagnost said soccer is a very merciless game, the team had everything in control, but were still unable to win. Anagnost is looking to the future as the program continues to grow and shows more promise in the upcoming years.
“I love the ascension that has occurred,” Anagnost said. “I do think the future’s bright, and I’m just proud to be a part of this extraordinary group of people.”
The Bulldogs wrapped up their 2018 season, but are already looking ahead to 2019. This season was a historic one, and the upcoming season is sure to be nothing less than great.
