On Sunday, the Mississippi State University women’s soccer team (15-1) clinched the conference title and the No. 1 ranking with a 2-0 win over Texas A&M. The goal’s scored by Ally Perry and Elle McCaslin paired with a strong defensive effort from graduate goalkeeper Maddy Anderson clenched both Mississippi State’s win versus Texas A&M and Mississippi State’s spot in the history books.
In what is now marked as the Bulldogs’ 12th straight win, they are also undefeated in Southeastern Conference play, only giving up one goal all season long, an incredible feat against top-ranked teams like Arkansas and Texas.
The responsibility for the milestone goes majorly to head coach James Armstrong, who tied the program record for most wins as head coach (58).
Armstrong gave credit to everyone involved with the program following the Texas A&M win.
“This is an incredibly special night for our program,” Armstrong said. “To win the regular season is a testament to the determined work ethic of players, coaches, and staff. Every day, they all come ready to go through the grind, so for them all to be rewarded this way is very much fitting. Thank you to everyone for the sacrifices they have made and the fans who have supported us all season.”
Armstrong and his crew will now face No. 22 South Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 30, to finish out the regular season.
Armstrong expects his team to play well as they prepare for the next couple of coming days.
“It’s going to be difficult, because this has been a long time coming,” Armstrong said. “These girls have put in a lot of really hard work along with the staff. Just like always, you’ve got to turn the page. South Carolina is a really good team. They have aspirations to be as high a seed as possible in the NCAA tournament. All of these games matter.”
Armstrong said that he is proud of the team for how well they are handling the quick turnarounds between games against tough competition.
“We will use the next two days to figure out how to get as fresh as we can for a crazy game on Wednesday,” Armstrong said. “It’s such a quick turnaround. Three games in ten days at this level against this competition just says everything about the character and grit of this team.”
After the South Carolina matchup, the Bulldogs will head to Pensacola, Fla., for the Southeastern Conference tournament, where they will come in as the No. 1 seed. A win in the SEC tournament would go a long way for the Bulldogs, who will be looking for a high spot in the NCAA tournament. Only time will tell what the Bulldogs’ future holds.
