Mississippi State
7-1-0, 1-0-0
Oklahoma
7-2-0, 0-1-0
No. 24 Mississippi State Shuts Out Oklahoma, 2-0, In SEC Opener
September 19, 2024 | Soccer
NORMAN, Okla. – Mississippi State soccer (7-1-0, 1-0-0 SEC) kicked off its SEC campaign in commanding fashion, delivering a 2-0 shutout against Oklahoma (7-2-0, 0-1-0 SEC) on Thursday night at John Crain Field. On a night when the Sooners were celebrating their inaugural SEC contest, the Bulldogs played the role of spoiler, led by goals from Zoe Main and Price Loposer, and a dominant performance in goal by Maddy Anderson.
From the opening whistle, State established control, pressing the Oklahoma defense and keeping their goalkeeper, Caroline Duffy, busy. The Bulldogs registered their first shot in the 8th minute when Zoe Main fired toward the bottom corner, only to see her attempt denied by Duffy. Moments later, Ally Perry followed up with a shot of her own, but Duffy was once again up to the task, making a series of early saves to keep the game level.
Oklahoma struggled to find offensive momentum, and State's relentless pressure eventually paid off. In the 24th minute, midfielder Hannah Johnson threaded a pass through the Sooners' backline to Main, who calmly slotted it past Duffy for her first goal of the season and second of her career. Main's finish gave the Bulldogs a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Mississippi State's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, stifled Oklahoma's attack throughout the match. Anderson made a critical save in the 27th minute, diving to stop a shot from Abigail McNulty, which was the Sooners' first real chance to equalize. The Bulldogs took a 1-0 advantage into halftime, outshooting Oklahoma 11-4 in the first half and denying the Sooners any momentum in front of their home crowd of 2,618 fans.
The Bulldogs wasted no time in the second half, quickly extending their lead. Just seven minutes into the period, Price Loposer capitalized on a loose ball in the box, firing it past Duffy to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. The goal marked Loposer's second career goal and gave Mississippi State firm control of the match.
Oklahoma responded with a surge of offensive activity, earning a pair of corner kicks in quick succession. In the 60th minute, the Sooners nearly broke through, but Anderson made a spectacular double save to deny shots from Sophia Green and Michelle Pak. Anderson's heroics in goal kept the clean sheet intact and frustrated Oklahoma's attempts to claw their way back into the game.
Anderson, who finished with five saves, now sits tied for third in the NCAA with six shutouts this season, bringing her career total to 31. The veteran goalkeeper's leadership and poise under pressure were evident, especially as the Sooners pressed late in the match in search of a goal.
Despite Oklahoma's late offensive pressure, which included multiple corner kicks and shots, Mississippi State's defense held strong. Anderson's backline, supported by standout performances from defenders such as Hannah Johnson and Ilana Izquierdo, absorbed the pressure and protected the lead.
By the final whistle, Mississippi State had outshot Oklahoma 19-10, with 13 shots on goal to the Sooners' five. Duffy was forced into action numerous times, making 11 saves for Oklahoma, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulldogs' clinical finishing and defensive resilience.
The No. 24 Bulldogs will now look toward's Sunday's SEC Home Opener and a date with No. 11 Texas for a Top-25 matchup under the lights. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
Scoring Summary:
- 23:04 – STATE: Zoe Main (1), assisted by Hannah Johnson
- Johnson delivered a pinpoint pass to Main, who finished with precision into the bottom corner to give the Bulldogs the lead.
- 52:54 – STATE: Price Loposer (1)
- Loposer capitalized on a loose ball in the box and fired it past Duffy to double the Bulldogs' lead early in the second half.
Match Statistics:
- Shots: STATE:Â 19 (13 on goal), OU: 10 (5 on goal)
- Saves: STATE: 5, OU: 11
- Corner Kicks: STATE:Â 4, OU: 8
- Fouls: STATE: 11, OU 14
Attendance: 2,618
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 –
Team Stats
Zoe Main (1)
Assisted By: Hannah Johnson
GOAL by MSSU Main, Zoe Assist by Johnson, Hannah.
23:04
Price Loposer (1)
GOAL by MSSU Loposer, Price.
52:54
