Mississippi State
UT Martin (Exh.)
MSU Beats UT Martin 1-0 In Exhibition Play
August 12, 2015 | Soccer
MARTIN, Tenn. – In his team's first exhibition match of the season, Mississippi State coach Aaron Gordon wanted to test his young soccer squad in a collegiate game setting.
The young Bulldogs passed that test on Wednesday, blanking UT Martin 1-0 at Skyhawk Field.
“Everyone on the team got to play, and each of our freshmen got to play meaningful college minutes,” Gordon said. “We played a team that battled us and was very physical. They showed our young players the difference between club soccer and college soccer.”
Sophomore Mallory Eubanks netted MSU's lone goal in the 37th minute, knocking home a cross from junior Ariana Holmes.
The Bulldogs outplayed UT Martin in every statistical category on Wednesday, leading in shots on goal (12-2) shots (26-5) and corners (8-2).
“We created a lot of chances on offense today,” Gordon said. “We passed the ball pretty well, defended and didn't really give up any chances to the other team. That's good, because those were the things we have really concentrated on in the preseason.”
The Bulldogs got a fantastic effort from their stable of goalies, with sophomores Tanya de Souza and Rhylee DeCrane combining with freshman Courtney Tompkins for the clean sheet.
“We divided up minutes for our goalies and each one of them played well today,” Gordon said. “They controlled the backline and performed well.”
De Souza saw the Skyhawks' only two shots on goal, saving both.
MSU now turns its attention to the Memphis Tigers, as the two regional foes meet in Starkville for an exhibition contest Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs and Tigers met in Memphis for a friendly last season, a game won by Mississippi State 1-0.
“I expect a much tougher test with Memphis in terms of an opponent who will have more chances than UT Martin did today,” Gordon said. “It's important that we play a team like that because it will have us most prepared for the season opener in a week.”
State officially begins the regular season by hosting South Alabama on Friday, Aug. 21. Kickoff at the MSU Soccer Field is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network +.
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