The Mississippi State University women’s soccer team delivered a commanding performance in a 2-0 victory over Louisiana State University Sunday night.
The Bulldogs dominated the Tigers from the first whistle in front of 1,376 people, the sixth-largest crowd in program history.
State’s defense was rock solid, limiting LSU to just one-shot attempt and a single corner kick throughout the match. The Bulldogs relentlessly pressured the Tigers, tallying 12 shots and an astounding 22 corner kicks.
From the start, it was clear that Mississippi State intended to control the tempo. The Bulldogs constantly pushed into LSU’s half of the field, forcing the Tigers’ goalkeeper into action.
Despite State’s aggressive play, the match remained scoreless at halftime. However, the second half saw a breakout performance from redshirt junior midfielder Ally Perry, who netted both of State’s goals.
Perry’s first goal, set up by assists from senior forward Aitana Martinez-Montoya and senior midfielder Ilana Izquierdo, broke the deadlock. She sealed the victory with a second strike late in the game, putting the match out of LSU’s reach with 10 minutes remaining.
Mississippi State graduate student goalkeeper Maddy Anderson had a quiet night thanks to her team’s dominant defensive game plan. LSU goalkeeper Gabbi Ceballos, however, worked tirelessly, recording nine saves to keep her team in the match.
Coach James Armstrong was elated with the victory, praising the home crowd for creating an electric atmosphere.
“This is a big win in front of another awesome crowd,” Armstrong said. “The atmosphere, the cowbells, I know I say it every time, but we cannot thank [the fans] enough. The fans, if they can come out here [for the Arkansas game], they make a massive difference. We are looking to break the 2,000-person attendance record; it has never been done before. 2,000 people ringing cowbells can sound like 15,000 people and that is what we are hoping for.”
The win boosts Mississippi State’s record to 9-1 overall and 3-0 in SEC play, propelling the Bulldogs to a No. 7 national ranking. Up next, they’ll face Arkansas at home, with the match set for 6 p.m. on Friday and televised on SEC Network.
