Back On The Pitch
August 09, 2023 | Soccer
Bulldog soccer has returned as State looks to build on last year’s success.
STARKVILLE – Not even the Mississippi heat and humidity can smother the Bulldog soccer program's spirits. State is energized and raring to go as the season opener rapidly approaches.
The Bulldogs kicked off the fall on Monday with a 3-0 home exhibition win against Kennesaw State in which newcomers and returning veterans alike got their chance to hit the pitch and compete in front of the electric MSU faithful.
Entering his fifth year as the State head coach, James Armstrong discussed how it felt to be back and preparing for the upcoming season.
"[It felt] awesome," Armstrong said. "[We've had] great energy so far in practice, which is exactly what we're hoping for. The girls worked hard in the offseason, and we had a good spring. [We've] developed a lot of players that got a lot of valuable playing time. We only get three months out of the year to do this so when you finally get the opportunity to get back out there, [there is] nothing better."
The energy the Bulldogs brought to the pitch on Monday was also reciprocated from the fans that filled the stands. Senior Macey Hodge spoke about how much it means for the MSU players to see the outpouring of support from the community.
"They are the difference," Hodge said. "When you have a couple of thousand people cheering you on, it makes a world of difference. We're so thankful for the support that we get."
Just mentioning the fans packing the stands and showing their full support for the MSU soccer team put a massive smile on the face of Armstrong.
"Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it, and I mean that," Armstrong said. "When we came here, that was very important to us. Thankfully it's just as important, if not more important for the players. The fans make a massive difference. The cowbell tradition is awesome [and] we've got the west end tradition we are trying to build this season. We have a unique atmosphere here."
The MSU soccer team shattered attendance records last year, along with securing the program's first NCAA Tournament win against New Mexico State. But for experienced veterans like junior Alexis Gutierrez, the mission for the Bulldogs now is to advance in the tournament and continue to build on their success.
"Our number one thing right now is to get even further than where we did last year," Gutierrez said. "We got to the round of 16 last year so getting further than that is where we want to be."
The MSU soccer team travels to Samford for their last exhibition match Thursday before making a trip out west where the Bulldogs will kick off the 2023 season against Grand Canyon and Arizona State next week.
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