Bulldogs Soccer Travels to Baton Rouge for First SEC Road Test

BATON ROUGE, La. – Mississippi State (6-2-2, 1-1-0 SEC) is set to hit the road for its first road match in conference play when they take on LSU (6-3-1, 1-1-0 SEC) in Baton Rouge on Sunday. This highly anticipated matchup is slated for a 6:00 kick and pins two very familiar foes against each other in a SEC West battle that features the Tiger's high-octane attack versus the Bulldog's thwarting defense.

So far this season, the Bulldogs have only conceded five goals for a .50 Goals Allowed Average (GAA) all while holding opponents to just 6.4 shots per game. The backline and midfield defensive presence have been outstanding for the Dawgs as they have won possessions in the neutral zones that have created offensive attacking opportunities throughout the first ten matches of the season.

Goalkeeper Maddy Anderson has been a stalwart presence in the team's defense, starting all 10 matches of the season and showcasing remarkable consistency. Over the course of 882 minutes and 31 seconds on the field, she has allowed just five goals, boasting an impressive goals-against average (GAA) of 0.51. Anderson's agility and skill are evident in her 27 saves, which translate to an outstanding save percentage of 84.4%. Her contributions have played a crucial role in the team's six wins, and her ability to keep opponents at bay is reflected in her five clean sheets, with one of them being a combined shutout. Anderson's performance in goal has undoubtedly been a key factor in the team's success this season.

On the other side of the pitch, the Tigers have scored 25 goals throughout their first ten matchups on the year and are averaging 2.5 goals per game. Forward Taylor Dobles and midfielder Ida Hermannsdottir lead LSU in goals scored this year with four each.

For LSU, the team comprises a total of 28 players, with nine seniors, three juniors, 11 sophomores, and five freshmen. Among these players, 21 Tigers return from the 2022 roster, where they achieved a commendable run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The leadership of the team will be anchored by fifth-year veterans Mollee Swift and Maya Gordon who serve as captains. Additionally, the team benefits from the experience and depth brought by returning seniors Rammie Noel, Taylor Dobles, Jordan Johnson, Abby Smith, Britney Bertram, Mollie Baker, and Bella Zanotelli. Notably, there are seven new additions to the 2023 squad, featuring the freshman talents of Caley Swierenga, Andrea Iljkic, Ava Galligan, Brielyn Knowles, and Alyson Campbell. This year also sees the introduction of sophomore transfer Hali Hartman, joining the team from Oklahoma, along with walk-on player Sarah Portis.

The Dawgs and Tigers is a matchup of very similar proportions and a very early SEC West test for both squads. Those unable to attend the 6:00 PM CT matchup are encouraged to stream via SEC Network + where Lyn Rollins (Play-By-Play) and Sara Pollock Dickson (Color Analyst) will be on the call.

For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."

– HailState.com –

Bulldogs Soccer Travels to Baton Rouge for First SEC Road Test

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Maddy Anderson

Mississippi State University Athletics

Bulldogs Soccer Travels to Baton Rouge for First SEC Road Test

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Maddy Anderson

Related Videos