Mississippi State
0-1-0
South Alabama
1-0-0
MSU's Valiant Effort Falls Short In 1-0 Defeat to South Alabama
August 22, 2015 | Soccer
STARKVILLE, Miss. – A solid effort on opening night wasn't enough for Aaron Gordon's squad as Mississippi State fell 1-0 to South Alabama in front of a crowd of 1,088 at the MSU Soccer Field.
The Bulldogs claimed the advantage in the offensive numbers in front of the largest season-opening crowd in program history, but the difference for South Alabama came in the 81st minute as Ashlynn Jones bounced a pass off her chest to find the back of the net.
The Bulldogs opened the match strong offensively, putting five shots on frame in the first 25 minutes and forcing South Alabama to make six saves in the opening half.
Sophomore Tanya de Souza denied South Alabama's lone scoring opportunity of the first half, deflecting a Charde Hannah header over the bar in the 30th minute.
“Our fans were awesome. It was a great opening night and we played great,” Gordon said. “Yes, we wanted to win, but I can't fault our team's effort. We had the best chances in the game, but we played a team who has won a lot of games and found a way to win.”
MSU had its best scoring chance five minutes before the half. Freshman Kennadi Carbin broke free down the left side and crossed a pass in front of goal to a trailing Payton Gruenewald for a shot that sailed just high of the bar.
MSU edged South Alabama in shots (20-11), shots on goal (7-3) and corners (12-9) in defeat.
Mississippi State will meet fans and sign autographs from 2-4 p.m. Saturday in the Palmeiro Center as part of Fan Day festivities. The Bulldogs return to the pitch Sunday, hosting Murray State at 1 p.m. on the SEC Network+.
Admission to all MSU home games is free.
For more on the MSU soccer program, follow “HailStateSOC” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Team Stats
Jones, Ashlynn (1)
Assisted By: Shirtcliffe, Nikki , Henley, Danielle
GOAL by USA Jones, Ashlynn (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Shirtcliffe, Nikki and Henley, Danielle, goal number 1 for season.
81:28
