The Mississippi State Women’s Soccer team will take the field against two of its toughest opponents yet this fall when it takes on South Carolina this Friday and then No. 11 Florida on Sunday afternoon. The games come at a pivotal time for the Bulldogs, a fact that is not lost on sophomore forward Elisabeth Sullivan.
“These games are important in order for us to reach our goal of the SEC tournament,” Sullivan said.
The Lady Bulldogs are three wins away from setting their place in the SEC tournament, which opens in Orange Beach, Ala., on Nov. 2. 
This season has been one of ups and downs as the Bulldogs have gone 4-7-3 overall, while going 1-4-1 in SEC play. Their biggest success this season was found in their victory over a No. 20 Auburn team that was not able to hold off the Lady Bulldogs in a 2-0 finish. For the Bulldogs to find consistent success, continued team chemistry will be needed, head coach Neil Macdonald said.
“Our keys to success are found in our good team chemistry,” Macdonald said. “The team has had a very good, hard work ethic, as well.”
The game against South Carolina this Friday will take place at 7 p.m. The fact that it will be at home is an advantage Macdonald said will play into the overall success for the team in the game. South Carolina has an overall record of 10-5, with a 4-2 record while in conference play and a 4-3 record while playing on the road in the conference. Mississippi State has yet to lose a game at home, posting a 3-0-2 record in Starkville. 
Junior Lauren Morgan, a starting midfielder who ranks third on the team in assists with two, said a fast start was key for MSU against the Gamecocks.
“We must come out strong, play aggressively and push hard against them,” Morgan said.
On Sunday, the soccer team will take on one of the toughest teams it has played this season when  No. 11 Florida rolls into Starkville to challenge the Bulldogs in another conference game.
“They are a good possession team,” Macdonald said. “They focus on the things that they do well, and that makes them one of the best teams in the country.”
Sullivan currently leads the team in assists with three and is second in goals with her nine scored this fall so far for the Maroon and White.  The Gators have been very successful this season so far on the road with a standing 5-1 record so far. Overall, Florida has posted a 12-3 record with a 5-1 record playing in the conference. 
For Macdonald, he said the hope is that his team can build upon its recent success as they work toward a berth in the SEC Tournament.
 ”We are playing wonderful soccer,” Macdonald said. “I am very pleased with the overall progress of the team.”
Admission to both games this weekend is free for all fans, and Friday’s matchup will be part of the Maroon Madness festivities. taking place in Starkville and on MSU’s campus. Sunday’s match will be senior day for MSU.
A  live video stream of Friday’s match will be available for free at mstateathletics.com/m2mlive.