Mississippi State Shines Bright with Dominant 2-0 Win over FIU on Home Turf

Sunday, August 27

Starkville

6:30 p.m.

Mississippi State

3-0-1, 0-0-0

FIU

3-1-0, 0-0-0

FIU

Mississippi State

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Mississippi State Shines Bright with Dominant 2-0 Win over FIU on Home Turf

August 27, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Lance Pardue, Communications Fellow

STARKVILLE – In a riveting clash that pitted Mississippi State (3-0-1) against the nation's fifth-leading scoring team, FIU (3-0-1) the Dawgs won again. Underneath the lights of the MSU Soccer Field, State emerged triumphant with a commanding 2-0 victory to remain unbeaten.

FIU, arriving with an astounding record of having scored 17 goals while conceding none in their first three matches, entered the encounter as a formidable force. Their reputation as a relentless attacking team had created a buzz, making the match against State all the more intriguing.

From the opening kick, MSU displayed their intent to neutralize FIU's attacking threat. The Bulldog's strategic defending and cohesive teamwork disrupted the Panther's rhythm, preventing them from showcasing their usual goal-scoring flair. Mississippi State's defensive discipline was the cornerstone of their game plan, effectively cutting off supply lines to FIU's dangerous attacking players.

The Panther's forwards, who had been clinical in front of goal in their previous outings, found themselves frustrated by Mississippi State's resolute defense. The Dawg's backline showcased their ability to absorb pressure and repel FIU's attacks. In the second half, State turned up the pressure on both ends of the pitch, outshooting FIU 13-1 during that span.

From the get-go, State's attacking players displayed their hunger to make an impact. The versatile combination of forwards and midfielders consistently applied pressure on FIU's defense, showcasing a wide array of skills and positional awareness. Their understanding of each other's movements allowed them to exploit spaces and create dangerous opportunities.

As the game unfolded, Mississippi State's midfield continued to dictate the pace of play, showcasing their ability to transition seamlessly between defense and attack. Their strategic positioning and unyielding work rate ensured that FIU had minimal room to maneuver in the midfield, effectively neutralizing their threats.

For State, the scoring saga began in the 61st minute when Ilana Izquierdo capitalized on a superb assist from Maggie Wadsworth, putting Mississippi State ahead 1-0. Izquierdo's goal sent shockwaves of cheers through the stands and triggered the iconic ringing of cowbells that resonated across the MSU Soccer Field and deep into the night.

Amidst the sea of cowbells and spirited chants, the west end of the stadium erupted once again in the 81st minute. Izquierdo had struck again, this time with assists from both Maggie Wadsworth and Ruthny Mathurin. The trio's combination play resulted in a spectacular team goal, extending Mississippi State's lead to 2-0. The goal not only solidified Mississippi State's dominance in the match but also highlighted their ability to counter with precision.

For Izquierdo, this marked her third two-goal game in her career. Her last came as a freshman at Southern Miss as she netted two against the Crimson Tide of Alabama on August 29^th, 2021.

The Dawgs improve to 3-0-1 heading into next week's continued home stand where they will host back-to-back Power 5 opponents into Starkville. State will hit the pitch again on Thursday against Iowa before a Sunday afternoon date with Miami.

Quoting Head Coach James Armstrong
On the defensive effort tonight
"I thought our defense today was great and all of the credit to FIU. They are an excellent team and fantastically coached. They came out and really got after us. I thought FIU came out with a really good game plan. They were confident. FIU had scored a lot of goals coming into this game, so,, our defense had to be really strong today. I thought everyone who played in the back four was tremendous and I think middle-field defending was good too. The first half wasn't our best showing, but we made some changes at halftime and the girls executed that tremendously."

Quoting Midfielder Illena Izquierdo
On her two-goal performance
"I'm really happy right now. For not only myself, but, for the team. I think we worked hard and that we deserved to win. It was a really good win and it was so good to be home. I'm very proud to be a Bulldog."

Quoting Forward Illena Izquierdo
On the adjustments in the second half
"I feel like in the first half we were trying to play it over the top a little bit more, but it wasn't working. During halftime, we kind of settled down, and had a little talk about playing through the middle a little more. I think that when we have the ball on the ground and can pass it around, we are at our strengths and that is what we were able to do in the second half."

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