Soccer Continues Spring Slate On Road Against Alabama
March 30, 2016 | Soccer
STARKVILLE, Miss. – After almost a month between spring exhibitions, the Mississippi State soccer team is back in action this Thursday as the Bulldogs travel to Alabama for a friendly at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Due to the threat of inclement weather, Thursday's match in Tuscaloosa could be postponed to Friday night.
MSU is coming off a pair exhibition wins against Southern Miss and Louisiana Monroe back on March 5. The 1-0 shutout against USM and 3-2 comeback against ULM were thanks in part to the Bulldogs' offensive showing as MSU netted four goals. Mallory Eubanks, Carly Mauldin, Ariana Holmes and Jamila Coner all scored for the Bulldogs on the opening day of spring soccer.
State defeated Alabama the last time the two clubs faced each other on Oct. 25, 2015 in Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs were lifted by a goal from Carbin in the 78th minute to down the Tide 2-1.
In exhibition play, the Bulldogs edged out Alabama in Starkville last year, 3-2. Last season's exhibition was highlighted by goals from Hannah Smith, Eubanks and former Bulldog Shelby Jordan.
The Bulldogs turned in a 5-10-3 record last season to secure one of its best seasons in recent history. The three conference wins in 2015 were the most since 2011, as the Bulldogs just missed making their first appearance in the SEC Tournament since 2004.
State returns 19 players who made at least one start from last season's squad. Points (10) and assists (4) leader Eubanks will headline the returnees, followed by co-goal (4) leaders Kennadi Carbin and Kiley Martens.
After this Thursday night's exhibition, the Maroon and White travel to Birmingham on Sunday to face UAB and Memphis.
For more information on the Mississippi State soccer program, follow “HailStateSOC” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
