The Mississippi State University Lady Bulldog soccer team has dominated all eight conference matches this season and is expected to maintain its winning streak throughout the fall. With impressive victories against the Georgia Bulldogs and an exhilarating win over No. 1-ranked Arkansas, the team has cemented its place in history with the highest team ranking in program history, now standing at No. 2.
Their journey to this pinnacle has been gradual and hard-fought. The Bulldogs have steadily improved with every game, honing their skills and working tirelessly to build the foundation that has led them to this moment. Under the leadership of head coach James Armstrong, Mississippi State has recorded back-to-back 10-win seasons, a testament to their growth and resilience.
Armstrong, a Yorkshire, England native, took the reins in 2019 after serving as an associate coach for the Auburn Tigers. Since then, he has guided the Bulldogs to two NCAA Tournament appearances. His tenure has also produced a remarkable list of accolades, with five players named to the United Soccer Coaches/NCSAA All-Region Team and six earning All-SEC honors. However, these accomplishments reflect not only Armstrong’s coaching prowess but also the grit and determination of the players themselves.
Two standout athletes have made significant contributions this season, earning individual recognition for their performances.
Redshirt junior midfielder Ally Perry has been named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week for the week of October 6th. Perry ranks 11th in the conference and leads the SEC in shots per game, averaging 4.64. She also holds second place in total shots, with 51 attempts. Her most remarkable achievement this season came in the victory over Arkansas when her perfectly executed Olimpico corner kick found the back of the net, securing the game-winning goal against the top-ranked opponent.
Graduate student Maddy Anderson has also shone, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the week of October 6th. Hailing from Seabrook, Texas, the goalkeeper recorded her 34th career shutout in the intense matchup against Arkansas, preserving a 0-0 scoreline throughout the game. Anderson’s performance this season has been stellar as she leads the SEC in goals-against average (0.19) and save percentage (.920). This marks her sixth career SEC honor, solidifying her reputation as one of the conference’s top goalkeepers.
Since 2022, Mississippi State’s soccer program has been on an upward trajectory, with each season bringing more shots, goals and SEC victories. As the team continues to build on its momentum, this season is shaping up to be one of the most successful in program history with potential for record-breaking statistics and achievements.
What truly sets this team apart, beyond their talent and discipline, is their unique method of motivation. The players physically write words of encouragement on their bodies before each game — phrases like “determined” and “fight” serve as reminders of their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. The players affirming themselves and physically writing the confidence and determination on themselves ultimately has played a role in rewarding them with triumphs against the conference’s toughest teams.
With an unbeaten 5-0 conference record, the Lady Bulldogs are eager to take on a few more SEC rivals before heading to Pensacola, Florida, for the SEC Tournament on Nov. 3.
