Mississippi State
Tennessee
Mississippi State Set to Host Tennessee for Friday Night SEC Soccer Matchup
September 28, 2023 | Soccer
STARKVILLE, MS - The anticipation is building as the women's soccer world turns its attention to Starkville, Mississippi, where the Bulldogs are set to face off against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Friday at 7:30 PM. This SEC matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams are eager to secure a crucial victory and three points in the early SEC slate.Â
State, with a season record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, has been a force to be reckoned with defensively this year. The Dawgs are only giving up 7.2 shots per game which in turn has led to many striking opportunities for State as they are averaging 14.5 shots per game. MSU has only conceded seven goals through the first 11 matches of the season with the opposition averaging 0.64 goals.
Senior keeper Maddy Anderson ranks second in the SEC in saves this season, standing tall on 33 shots she has faced for an average of 3.00 saves per game. Anderson ranks second in the conference in save percentage with a .825 save percentage and is third in clean sheets on the season with four to her name.
The Bulldogs have seen excellent contributions from the junior duo of Ilana Izquierdo and Aitana Martinez-Montoya, who are tied for the lead in goals for the team, each with three. Izquierdo has not only excelled offensively but has also been a defensive machine, logging 977 minutes on the pitch in her midfielder position. Maggie Wadsworth leads the team in assists this season with two, showcasing the balanced nature of the Bulldogs' attack.
On the other side of the pitch will be the Lady Vols who come into this matchup with a record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. Among their notable achievements is the recognition of forward Kate Runyon as the SEC Freshman of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday. Runyon's stellar performances in the last two matches against Florida and No. 7 South Carolina have been a catalyst for Tennessee's success. Runyon scored goals in both games, moving into a tie with graduate Sizzy Lawton for second on the team in scoring (3) and total points (7).
The Tennessee squad has been a collective force this season, with 22 goals scored by 10 different players. Notably, freshmen Sarah Greiner (2), Kate Runyon (3), and Keaton Mitchell (2), along with sophomore Kameron Simmonds (6) and others, have all contributed to the team's impressive offensive output. UT's newcomers, including Runyon, have made significant contributions, with all four active freshmen recording at least one goal or assist this season.
The Lady Vols return five starters and 20 letterwinners from the 2022 team that clinched an SEC East Division title for the third straight season. Redshirt senior Jaida Thomas, senior Lawson Renie, juniors Sheridan Michel and Jordan Fusco, and sophomore Kameron Simmonds were all named to the SEC Preseason Watch List, adding to the depth and experience of this talented squad.
As the clock counts down to kickoff on Friday night, fans can expect an intense battle between two formidable teams, with both the Bulldogs and Lady Vols showcasing their talent and determination on the field to secure a crucial result in the early going of SEC play. The match will be streamed via SEC Network + for those unable to cheer on the Dawgs at the MSU Soccer Field.
Junior Forward Aitana Martinez-Montoya
On Friday's MatchupÂ
"I think Friday is going to be a really intense game just like every other SEC game. Both teams are going to try and impose their will and play their game. This week of practice has been great. The energy, intensity and effort have all been present and we are looking forward to show what we are capable of by focusing on the things we can control. In my opinion, we have been playing much better soccer in the three SEC games so far.  We know if we keep working, learning, and fighting... The results will come and I am sure of that. I am looking forward to help the team no matter what, it does not matter to me if it's an assist, a goal, or just cheering my teammates up. At the end of the day it will always be a team win not an individual win."
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."
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