Ranked Bulldogs Host Preseason Favorites Florida on Friday

by Brian Ogden, Assistant Coordinator/Communications

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State's soccer program will play its first game as a ranked team this week when the No. 19 Bulldogs host Florida on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT with the match broadcast on SEC Network+.

Florida (4-6-1, 2-1-0) was picked to win the conference in the SEC preseason coaches' poll this year, but the Gators endured a six-match stretch to end non-conference play that saw them go 0-5-1. They have since fallen out of the national polls, and the program's six regular-season losses are the most since 2011. However, the Gators have won their last two conference matches.

"Florida is an extremely talented and well-coached team," head coach Tom Anagnost said. "They are the preseason No. 1 pick to win the SEC and have already scored 11 goals in conference play. We have to be ready from the start."

MSU (8-2-0, 1-2-0) finds itself crossing new milestones in the program's history seemingly every week. The Bulldogs are ranked for the first time in school history after landing at No. 19 in this week's TopDrawerSoccer.com poll. State also boasts the No. 3 RPI (Rating Percentage Index) in the nation.

The Bulldogs have lost five straight matches to Florida and have not won since 2011. In fact, MSU only has two wins in the series, but both have come in Starkville where State's home field advantage has been on full display this season.

At home, MSU has outshot opponents by 59 total attempts, compared to just 23 on the road. The Bulldogs have allowed fewer shots on goal and fewer corners while playing at home, and MSU has only allowed one goal in Starkville, which came on a penalty kick.

Fans are encouraged to bring their cowbells to Friday's match. Those that check in with their cowbell at the marketing table will be entered to win two tickets to Saturday's football game against the Gators or one of three $100 gift cards. Students can claim 200 Hail State Rewards points, while 150 Bully's Kids Club points are up for grabs.

MSU's halftime Upper 90 Challenge will return, giving one contestant a chance to win $10,000 with a shot into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out.

For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSOC." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Ranked Bulldogs Host Preseason Favorites Florida on Friday

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