MSU Knocks Off South Alabama In Double Overtime

Friday, September 2

Mobile, Ala.

7:00 PM

Mississippi State

3-2

South Alabama

2-2-1

OT 5

OT 6

Mississippi State

South Alabama

Kennadi Carbin jukes her defender for the score

MSU Knocks Off South Alabama In Double Overtime

September 02, 2016 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Box Score

MOBILE, Ala. – Propelled by freshman McKenna de Graaf's game-winner in the 101st minute, Mississippi State (3-2-0) topped South Alabama (2-2-1) in double overtime as the Bulldogs won, 2-1.

Friday night's win marks the first time since 2001 the Bulldogs have beat South Alabama in Mobile, while also breaking a three-game losing skid to the Jaguars in the overall series.

"It's always tough to win on the road and anytime you come away with a win it's huge, " head coach Aaron Gordon said. "South Alabama is a great team that came into this game with a lot of momentum, but our team fought through adversity and showed tremendous heart and effort tonight. I couldn't be more proud of this team and how they performed tonight."

The Jaguars, who come into 2016 seeking their fourth-consecutive NCAA postseason appearance, broke into the scoring column in the 53rd minute as leading goal scorer Rio Hardy bounced a ball over Tanya de Souza's fingertips.

Kennadi Carbin would give the Bulldogs a jolt of energy in the 66th minute, as the sophomore juked her way past two defenders for her first goal of the season. With the game tied at 1-1, both clubs battled it out for the final remaining minutes as the game rolled past the 90-minute mark.

In the 101st minute MSU would get another excellent attack from the speedy Carbin, whose shot was blocked by the USA keeper. The ever-alert de Graaf pounced on the opportunity however, as she cleaned the play up with a chip in to win the game as the rest of the team rushed the field in celebration.

"I was really nervous coming into this game after missing almost two weeks with my injury," de Graaf said. "I played a little bit in the first half, but I was dying. So, my thought process when I saw that ball was that I needed to put it away, because I didn't know how much longer I could've made it at attacking mid."

Sunday's game marked the first overtime of the season for the Bulldogs, while USA played in its third of the season.

Statistically, the Jaguars outshot the Bulldogs 26-13, with an advantage on corners as well at 13-5. MSU did lead in fouls however, at 16-7.

Bulldogs Finding Offense:
State earned two more scores on Friday, with both goals being season-firsts for each Bulldog. On the season MSU has scored eight goals, which last year's squad didn't accomplish until game 14. A total of seven Bulldogs have earned scores this year, with MaKayla Waldner leading the team at two.

MSU's French Wall:
Junior Tanya de Souza, who ranks second in the SEC in saves, stood tall for MSU on Friday as the goalie made numerous stops to keep the Bulldogs in the game. One key game-saver came in the 84th minute when de Souza blocked a Rio Hardy penalty kick to perverse the tie. The Paris, France native, stopped nine shots against the Jags, adding to her 28 for the season.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA – (53:27) After a scramble at the goal, Jaguar Rio Hardy managed to find the back of the net, as she gave South Alabama the short-lived lead against the Bulldogs.

MSU – (66:09) Sophomore Kennadi Carbin dribbled past two South Alabama defenders to bury her first goal of the season and bring the score to 1-1.

MSU – (101:32) Freshman McKenna de Graaf put her 11 minutes of play to good use, as put away the game-winner in the second overtime to give MSU the 2-1 win.

Additional Notes:

MSU's two non-conference wins on the road are the most since 2010
The Bulldogs have scored eight goals this season, which last year's squad didn't accomplish until the 14 game of the year
MSU used 19 players in Friday's game against the Jaguars
Tanya de Souza, Khalyn Harmon, Kiley Martens, Ari Holmes and Carly Mauldin all played the full 102 minutes
Freshmen MaKayla Waldner and Johanna Hamblett have started in five-consecutive games for the Bulldogs.

Up Next:
MSU shifts focus to Southern Miss as the Bulldogs prepare for the 5 p.m. contest in Hattiesburg on Sunday. The Golden Eagles will be well rested for Sunday's game, as their matchup against Alcorn State was cancelled.

Social Media:
For more information on the Mississippi State soccer program, follow "HailStateSOC" on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.