The Mississippi State women’s soccer team has had a lot of “firsts” this season.
James Armstrong’s squad earned a top-five ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll for the first time in program history. Mississippi State earned its first-ever SEC regular season championship this year. The team is also in the midst of a 14-game winning streak — a program first.
On Wednesday, the Bulldogs defeated South Carolina 2-1 to enter the postseason undefeated against conference counterparts for the first time. The midweek feat followed a multitude of successful outings, most notably a 1-0 home win over top-ranked Arkansas in early October.
Accolades aside, Armstrong, the winningest coach in Mississippi State history, says his club’s work is not quite finished.
“We always felt that we could win the SEC. There was no doubt about that,” Armstrong said SportsTalk Mississippi. “But I would say, when we outplayed Arkansas at our place, just seeing the hunger in our girls — they didn’t get carried away by it — I think that’s when we knew we had something special here. Some great things may happen.”
A historic conclusion to the regular season for the Dawgs!
The best part? The job’s not finished. #HailState
pic.twitter.com/6S1JGN5by5
— Mississippi State Soccer (@HailStateSOC) October 31, 2024
Going into the 2024 campaign, the Bulldog head coach had high hopes for his team. With a strong group of veteran talent leading a close-knit unit, Armstrong and his staff believed the team had the potential to be immensely successful.
“We honestly felt that it was the most talent we’ve had and the closest group we’ve had,” he said. “It was just a matter of could we put it all together, which, thankfully, we’ve managed to do so far.”
Built on a strong defense led by goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, the Bulldogs have been incredibly stingy when it comes to letting the ball enter their net. Anderson’s .240 goals-against-average currently leads the SEC and is the second-best nationally.
Her command of the field has resulted in Mississippi State surrendering the fewest number of goals in an SEC season in history. The Bulldogs have only been scored on twice since conference play began and five altogether. Armstrong, acknowledging his stellar goalkeeper, attributed the dominance to a collective effort by the entire team.
“The girls have done a fantastic job along with the coaching staff,” Armstrong said. “It’s not just Maddy Anderson at goal or the back four or the back three, depending on what formation you’re playing, it’s a total team effort. It’s really remarkable.”
On offense, Mississippi State has seen one of its biggest stars shine brightly. Junior Midfielder Ally Perry has guided the Bulldogs through many close matches with nine goals on the season, five of which have been game-winners.
Armstrong and company will look to carry the momentum of a dominant regular season into the SEC Tournament being held in Pensacola, Florida next week.
Top-seeded Mississippi State (15-1, 10-0 SEC) will enjoy the comforts of a first-round bye and prepare for a quarterfinal match versus either No. 8-seeded Kentucky or No. 9-seeded Tennessee on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. central. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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