Mississippi State
Ole Miss
No. 3 Mississippi State Heads To Oxford For Magnolia Cup Clash With Ole Miss
October 17, 2024 | Soccer
OXFORD, Miss. - The No. 3 Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to face in-state rival Ole Miss in the highly anticipated Magnolia Cup on Friday night in Oxford. In the midst of a historic season, State has been dominant in SEC play, boasting a perfect 6-0-0 record and extending their winning streak to nine matches. Under the leadership of head coach James Armstrong and his staff, the Bulldogs aim to capture their fifth consecutive Magnolia Cup victory, adding another chapter to the rivalry's storied history.
Mississippi State's elite defensive performance has been the backbone of their success. Goalkeeper Maddy Anderson has been outstanding, anchoring one of the top defensive units in the country. The Seabrook, Texas, native has recorded 10 solo shutouts this season (11 combined), raising her career total to 35. Anderson now ranks second in the NCAA for shutouts this year. She also leads the nation and the SEC in goals-against average (0.237) and ranks third in the NCAA in save percentage (.900). Her presence in goal has been key to the Bulldogs' unbeaten run and their rise to the No. 3 spot nationally.
Offensively, Mississippi State has displayed remarkable depth and balance. Ally Perry leads the team with eight goals, including four game-winners, and ranks second in the SEC in total shots (59). Perry also leads the conference in shots per game (4.54), making her one of the most dangerous attackers in the league. The Bulldogs have spread the scoring across the roster, with 13 different players finding the back of the net this season, a testament to their ability to generate offense from all areas of the pitch.
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs have received national recognition for their individual talents. Five State players were named to TopDrawerSoccer's Top 100 Players list, the most of any team in the country. Graduate midfielder Macey Hodge leads the way, ranking 8th, thanks to her leadership and consistency across 85 games. Ally Perry is ranked 13th, highlighting her prowess in the attacking third, while Alexis Gutierrez (18th) continues to anchor a defense that leads the nation in goals-against average. Ilana Izquierdo (46th), who also represents Colombia internationally, and Rylie Combs (54th) round out the group, further showcasing the depth and quality of the squad.
Adding to her impressive 2024 campaign, senior forward Aitana Martinez-Montoya was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. The Madrid, Spain, native delivered a standout five points in week nine, securing goals in both contests while adding an assist to earn her first career SEC honor.
On the other side of the pitch, Ole Miss comes into the Magnolia Cup matchup looking for their first SEC win of the season. The Rebels, under second-year head coach Molly Rouse, earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against No. 23 South Carolina in their last outing. Ole Miss will rely on Kayla Keefer and Kelly Brady, both of whom have scored four goals this season, to generate offense. In goal, Shu Obba has been a constant presence, amassing 253 career saves.
Mississippi State holds the statistical edge in the 2024 season. The Bulldogs have scored 28 goals, averaging 2.15 per game, while allowing just 0.23 goals per game—the best in the nation. Ole Miss, in comparison, has scored 18 goals, averaging 1.13 per game, while conceding 1.69 goals per match. The Bulldogs also outshoot the Rebels by a significant margin, averaging 19.4 shots per game compared to Ole Miss' 12.1.
In their most recent match, the Bulldogs cruised to a 5-0 win over Missouri in front of a crowd of 2,073, the second-largest in program history. Five different Bulldogs scored, and the defense held Missouri to just three shots, none of which were on target. The victory extended Mississippi State's unbeaten run and set a new program record for SEC wins in a single season with six.
Mississippi State will look to continue their winning streak in the Magnolia Cup series, having captured the last four meetings between the two teams.
2024 Team Comparison
| Stat | Mississippi State | Ole Miss |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 28 | 18 |
| Goals/Game | 2.15 | 1.13 |
| Goals Allowed/Game | 0.23 | 1.69 |
| Shots/Game | 19.4 | 12.1 |
| SOG % | .393 | .397 |
Mississippi State Leaders
- Goals: Ally Perry – 8
- Assists: Hannah Johnson – 5
- Points: Ally Perry – 18
- Goalkeeping: Maddy Anderson – 0.24 GAA, 10 shutouts
Ole Miss Leaders
- Goals: Kayla Keefer & Kelly Brady – 4
- Assists: Katie Ramsden – 3
- Goalkeeping: Shu Obba – 1.98 GAA, .709 SV%
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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