State Drops SEC Home Opener To Florida

Sunday, September 26

Starkville

6:00 p.m.

Mississippi State

2-4-3, 0-2-1

Florida

3-5-3, 2-0-1

Florida

Mississippi St.

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

State Drops SEC Home Opener To Florida

September 26, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Photo Gallery

By: Brian Ogden, Associate Director/Communications

STARKVILLE – A comeback effort came up short on Sunday night as Mississippi State dropped a 2-1 decision to Florida.

The Gators (3-5-3, 2-0-1 SEC) struck in the 30^th and 35^th minute to take the lead. Kit Loferski scored the opening goal on a breakaway attempt after running on to a flicked-on header from Kouri Peace. Georgia Eaton-Collins then scored with a header off a corner kick that proved to be the game-winner.

"I am proud of the girls' efforts. I thought we played some really good soccer," head coach James Armstrong said. "Unfortunately, we conceded a couple of soft goals. I am proud of the way that we once again clawed right back into it. I think we have to be better with the finer details on both sides of the ball. That is where we as a coaching staff need to work this week in training. We certainly don't feel sorry for ourselves. We put in a great performance and just came out on the wrong side this time."

Mississippi State (2-4-3, 0-2-1 SEC) had the run of play early, taking three shots in the first 15 minutes. Onyi Echegini forced a save, and Olivia Simpson's effort narrowly missed outside the top corner of the net. Macey Hodge also sent an attempt over the bar.

After Florida took a lead, Ally Perry struck the crossbar with a shot. With State trailing by two goals, Perry connected a pass for Hailey Farrington-Bentil who beat her defender for a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper. She slotted the ball into the opposite corner of the net in the 38^th minute to close the gap.

"Hailey Farrington-Bentil had a great goal going into halftime," Armstrong said. "I thought we used that momentum forward into the second half."

State outshot Florida, 13-2, in the second half and earned three corners. The Bulldogs took five shots in the final 15 minutes, including two headers that sailed wide and high off a cross and a corner. In the 86^th minute, Simpson had MSU's best effort with a header that was blocked by a defender.

For the game, Echegini led MSU with five shots and two on goal. Perry took four shots and recorded an assist. MSU committed just four fouls in the game and allowed just four shots.

The Bulldogs remain at home on Thursday, Sept. 30 against Kentucky. That match will be nationally televised on SEC Network beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, visit HailState.com or search for "HailStateSOC" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.