No. 4 State Soccer Set For Road Battle At Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. – The fourth-ranked Bulldogs are set to travel to Athens to face Georgia in a Southeastern Conference showdown on Thursday. State enters the contest on the heels of a historic 1-0 victory over No. 1 Arkansas in their previous match, a win that cemented their status as one of the nation's elite programs. State, now 10-1-0 overall and undefeated in SEC play at 4-0-0, is seeking to extend their seven-match winning streak and remain perfect in the conference. Georgia, sitting at 6-3-4 overall and 2-1-2 in the SEC, are the reigning SEC Tournament Champions and look to continue a strong season.

State's defense, led by standout goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, has been nearly impenetrable this season, allowing only two goals through 11 matches. Anderson, who ranks third all-time in SEC shutouts with 34, has posted nine clean sheets in 2024 and continues to lead a Bulldogs back line that has been nothing short of dominant. Offensively, Ally Perry has been the focal point, leading the team with seven goals, including the game-winner against Arkansas. Perry's ability to create chances and convert key opportunities has made her one of the most dangerous players in the SEC. State's strong midfield anchored by Macey Hodge and Ilana Izquierdo have been key contributors this season.

Georgia has been a tough competitor under head coach Keidane McAlpine. With a 2-1-2 record in SEC play, they currently sit tied for fifth in the conference standings and remain unbeaten at home when scoring first (6-0-1). Graduate midfielder Amber Nguyen has been a crucial figure in Georgia's recent success, scoring in back-to-back matches. The Bulldogs' most recent match saw them earn a hard-fought three points, defeating Oklahoma 2-0.

2024 Team Comparison

Category	Mississippi State	Georgia
Goals	21	25
Goals/Game	1.91	1.92
Goals Allowed/Game	0.18	1.00
Shots/Game	19.5	14.4
Shots on Goal Percentage	.397	.449

Mississippi State's defensive metrics continue to be among the best in the nation, with a goals allowed per game average of 0.18, thanks largely to the stellar play of Maddy Anderson and a disciplined back line led by veterans Alexis Gutierrez, Rylie Combs and Price Loposer. Offensively, the Bulldogs are averaging just under two goals per game, with Perry leading the charge. State's 19.5 shots per game showcase their ability to generate pressure, while their .397 shots-on-goal percentage underlines their efficiency.

Georgia, in comparison, averages a near-identical 1.92 goals per game, with graduate forward Margie Detrizio being their top threat. Detrizio leads Georgia with seven goals and is second on the team in assists with two. The Bulldogs from Athens have shown a capacity for offensive firepower, particularly from Detrizio, who also tops her team in shots (38) and shots on goal (21). Defensively, Georgia has been solid, allowing one goal per game, while goalkeeper Jordan Brown has posted a save percentage of .859.

2024 Stat Leaders

Mississippi State

Goals: Ally Perry (7)
Assists: Hannah Johnson (4)
Points: Ally Perry (16)
Shots: Ally Perry (51)
Goalkeeper: Maddy Anderson - 10-1-0, 0.18 GAA, .920 SV%, 9 SO

Georgia

Goals: Margie Detrizio (7)
Assists: Summer Denigan (4)
Points: Margie Detrizio (16)
Shots: Margie Detrizio (38)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Brown - 6-3-4, 1.00 GAA, .859 SV%

Ally Perry has been the offensive engine for Mississippi State in 2024, leading the team in goals (7), points (16), and shots (51). Her performance against top-ranked Arkansas showcased her poise under pressure, and she will look to add to her tally against Georgia. Hannah Johnson has also been a key contributor, leading the team with four assists and creating numerous chances for her teammates throughout the season. On the other side, Georgia's Margie Detrizio will pose a significant threat to Mississippi State's stout defense. Detrizio's combination of speed, strength, and precision has made her one of the top forwards in the conference, and she will be the primary focus for State's defenders.

Key Storylines

Red-Hot Mississippi State:
The Bulldogs are in the midst of a historic season, achieving their highest-ever national ranking at No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. Their win over No. 1 Arkansas last week marked the program's first-ever victory over a top-ranked team. Mississippi State's seven-match winning streak is the longest under head coach James Armstrong, and they have yet to allow a goal in SEC play, further emphasizing their defensive dominance.

Georgia's Home Form:
Georgia enters Thursday's match with momentum, having secured a point in each of their last four conference matches. They have been particularly strong at home this season, boasting an unbeaten record when scoring first. Amber Nguyen, who has scored in consecutive matches, will be looking to keep Georgia's offensive engine running, while Jordan Brown will aim to keep Mississippi State's potent attack at bay.

Dawgs' Dominance Under Armstrong:
Since James Armstrong took the helm, Mississippi State has been almost unstoppable when taking an early lead. The Bulldogs are 50-1-6 when scoring first and an unbeaten 32-0-3 when leading at the half. Their ability to control matches once ahead has been one of the hallmarks of Armstrong's tenure.

Series History

Georgia holds a 16-4-2 advantage in the all-time series, but Mississippi State will be looking to narrow the gap and make a statement with a crucial road win. With both teams fighting for top positioning in the SEC, Thursday's matchup promises to be an intense battle between two talented squads.

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