No. 9 State Soccer Set For Top-25 Showdown At No. 23 South Carolina
September 25, 2024 | Soccer
COLUMBIA, S.C. – State soccer, ranked No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, is hitting the road to Columbia for a top-25 SEC clash with No. 23 South Carolina. This crucial contest pits two of the SEC's unbeaten teams against one another, both sitting at 2-0-0 in conference play. Mississippi State (8-1-0) is riding high on a five-match win streak, while South Carolina (5-0-4) remains undefeated on the season, holding four draws along the way. With both teams boasting strong defenses and explosive attacks, this showdown promises to be one of the premier matchups in SEC play.
State has been dominant defensively, recording eight shutouts in their first nine matches— a program-first achievement. Keeper Maddy Anderson has been instrumental in this feat, posting seven clean sheets and holding a remarkable .917 save percentage, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors after the first week of SEC Play. Complementing Anderson's heroics is the stellar play of the backline, helping the Bulldogs stand as the only team yet to concede a goal in conference play.
Serving as a veteran member of the backline, Rylie Combs was recently named to the TopDrawerSoccer Women's Team of the Week after leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back shutouts against Oklahoma and then-No. 11 Texas. Her leadership and consistency have been critical in holding off some of the most potent offenses in the nation. These clean sheets are part of a record-setting defensive run, with Mississippi State ranked second in the NCAA and SEC in goals-against average (0.22), fourth nationally in save percentage (.917), and second in the NCAA in shutout percentage (.889).
In her time in the Maroon and White, Combs has appeared in 61 matches, starting 54 of them, and logging an impressive 4,606 minutes on the pitch. Combs' durability and defensive prowess have solidified her as one of the top defenders within the SEC.
Offensively, MSU has showcased depth and balance, with twelve different Bulldogs finding the back of the net this season. Ally Perry leads the team with four goals, including the game-winner in State's recent 1-0 victory over Texas. Perry is third within the SEC in shots (37) and second in shots per contest, averaging 4.11. Hannah Johnson has shared the love this season, tallying four assists this season, tenth most in the SEC this season.Â
South Carolina enters Thursday's contest with an unbeaten record (5-0-4) and a reputation as one of the SEC's top defensive units. The Gamecocks are led by reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year Gracie Falla, and last season, they led the conference in both goals allowed and shutouts, conceding just 14 goals over the entire campaign. Their defensive strength is complemented by a balanced attack featuring United Soccer Coaches All-American Cat Barr and SEC All-Freshman Reagan Schubach. Forward Catherine Barry has been particularly dangerous this season, leading the team with eight goals, while Brianna Behm has been a creative force in the midfield with five assists.
The Bulldogs and Gamecocks have a long-standing rivalry, with South Carolina holding a 13-5-3 advantage in the all-time series. However, Mississippi State is entering this contest with newfound confidence, ranked in the top 10 for the first time in program history and eager to prove that they belong among the nation's elite.
Thursday's showdown is crucial for both teams as they battle to remain at the top of the SEC standings.
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 –
