Perry Electrifies The Pitch

STARKVILLE – The sixth-largest crowd in program history of 1,376 of the Maroon and White faithful created an electric atmosphere with an orchestra of clang that echoed at all ends of the MSU Soccer Field in support of State's physical battle against LSU on Sunday night.

At the 51-minute mark of the third conference match of the season, redshirt junior midfielder Ally Perry sent a lightning bolt of her own off her left foot and into the back of the net to secure the contest's first goal and send those in attendance into a frenzy of cheers and admiration for her efforts on the pitch.

Perry's success results from strenuous hours of hard work to hone her craft. Now, the numerous hours in the weight room and on the field are paying off in the form of points on the scoreboard for the Bulldogs.

"We told the girls at halftime, easier said than done, but be patient [and] that it was coming, and we had to continue to build those chances," head coach James Armstrong said. "The only thing we challenged them to do was be a bit more aggressive in the box in the second half. Ally hits the frame, and she's got a great shot with her left foot [and] right foot. She's playing great soccer right now."

Perry was not finished lighting up the pitch and securing highlight-worthy goals, however. As State continued to apply significant pressure on LSU and play lights-out defensively, Perry found another opportunity to do what she does best.

With only three minutes remaining in the match, Perry switched it up and launched the ball into the right side of the net to score her second goal for the Bulldogs and send MSU home with the ninth shutout of the year.

For Perry, it was just another night at the office. Her six goals this season leads the team and ranks 10th in the Southeastern Conference. Against the Tigers, the talented junior set season-highs with nine shots, four assists and two goals. The victory over LSU was also the first match in her career in which Perry scored multiple goals.

Perry does not let her success get to her head, however. She is focused on the main goal and mission of the program as she jogs out onto the field every night under the bright lights. That aspiration is to be the best and block out the noise.

"The middle is just going to do its thing," Perry said. "We play our game and it's hard to stop us when we just do what we do best."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Ally Perry

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