The MSU women’s soccer team lost two games this weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by Nebraska and 2-0 by Iowa State.
After setting an MSU record by winning six consecutive games earlier in the year, the Bulldogs have dropped their last three.
MSU entered play on Friday night against the reigning Big 12 tournament champion No. 24 Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Freshman keeper Luisa Marzotto and the Bulldog defense fought off 14 first half shots to maintain a 0-0 score heading into the half.
Just three minutes into the second half Nebraska forward Ashley Carter scored the Cornhuskers goal. Nebraska midfielder Kari Hogan crossed the ball into the box and Carter connected on a diving header.
After the goal by Carter, the Nebraska defense was able to hold off any more threats the Bulldogs managed to put together.
“I am very proud of each and every one of my players for the way they played tonight,” said head coach Neil McGuire. “Nebraska is a perennial powerhouse in women’s collegiate soccer, and to lose by only one goal is a testament to where our young ladies have taken themselves.”
The Sunday game against Iowa State marked somewhat of a homecoming for the Bulldog players. Former MSU assistant coach Scott Ebke now serves as an Iowa State assistant coach under head coach Rebecca Hornbacher.
Ebke and the Cyclones would make the reunion one the Bulldogs would rather forget. Iowa State blanked the Bulldogs while scoring twice.
Despite out-shooting the Cyclones 15-11, the Bulldogs were beaten in the only stat that really matters–goals.
Iowa State got on the board first in the 40th minute as midfielder Kate Kirwan netted a header sent into the box by fellow midfielder Deb Benakis.
Forward Kristina Baumann would add another goal for the Cyclones less than 10 minutes into the second half. Baumann scored on a loose ball that was resting in the box.
“We were able to get some opportunities from the flanks today,” said Hornbacher. “We had some good services from the outside.”
The Bulldogs will now look to end their three game losing streak as they welcome Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee State to Starkville this weekend.
MSU hosts Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. Friday and Middle Tennessee at 1 p.m. Sunday. Admission to all MSU home games is free.