State Soccer Lands Five On TopDrawerSoccer's Midseason Top 100 Players List
October 09, 2024 | Soccer
Macey Hodge was named the eighth best player in Division 1 by TopDrawerSoccer, however, her impact extends beyond individual accolades, contributing significantly to the team's historic achievements. Hodge's incredible skill set, leadership, and dedication to the game are unparalled in Mississippi State soccer history.Â
Hodge's impressive Bulldog tenure includes a remarkable 84 games played, starting in 83 of them. The native of Douglasville, Georgia, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication on the pitch. Since joining the Maroon and White in 2020 as a redshirt freshman, she has played a total of 7,391 minutes for the Bulldogs, solidifying her status as one of the best to ever wear the Mississippi State kit.Â
Continuing her hot start to conference play, Ally Perry was named the 13th best player in Division 1. Earlier this week, Perry was elected to the TopDrawerSoccer Women's Team of The Week paired with earned SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors, adding to a growing list of accolades for the Mississippi State junior.Ally Perry continues to assert herself as one of the premier players in the SEC. The Frisco, Texas native currently leads the conference in shots per game (4.64) and ranks second in total shots with 51. On the national level, Perry ranks 11th within the NCAA in shots per game, making her the only player in the SEC to be in the top 25. Perry's consistent ability to generate scoring opportunities has translated into success on the scoreboard, as she ranks fifth in the SEC in goals per game with an average of 0.64.
Alexis Gutierrez marked the third Bulldog inside the top 20, clocking in as the 18th best player in Division 1. Gutierrez has been a key defender, as State's defensive unit leads the nation in goals against average with a stellar 0.182, while ranking second in the country in save percentage at .920. Lex's leadership on the backline has been a driving force behind these national accolades, contributing to the Bulldogs' outstanding form this season. Gutierrez has logged almost 3,500 minutes and played the full 90 minutes 22 times over the past three seasons as a Bulldog.
Ilana Izquierdo was named the 46th best player in Division 1 and has been a constant at the midfield position for the Dawgs over the last two seasons. At State, Ilana has shined both collegiately and internationally, participating in the 2024 Women's Gold Cup and representing Colombia in the Paris Games. Izquierdo set the program record for minutes played in a single season with 2,097 in 2023 and has started every match in Starkville. This season, Izquierdo has a game winner under her belt and has logged a team best 932 minutes on the pitch.
Rylie Combs rounded out the Bulldogs on the list and was named the 54th best player in Division 1. Combs has played a key role in Mississippi State's defensive dominance, leading the backline to ten shutouts on the season.
These clean sheets are part of a record-breaking season for Mississippi State on the defensive, which has secured ten shutouts in eleven matches for the first time in program history.
In her time in the Maroon and White, Combs has been a vital part of the program's success, appearing in 63 matches and starting 56 of them. Combs has logged an impressive 4,785 minutes on the pitch, showcasing her durability and reliability as a key defensive figure for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs return to the pitch to continue their 2024 campaign when they travel to Athens to take on Georgia Thursday. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed via SECN+.
Bulldogs Featured On The TopDrawerSoccer Top 100 Players List:Â
8. Macey Hodge
13. Ally PerryÂ
18. Alexis Gutierrez
46. Ilana Izquierdo
54. Rylie Combs
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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