'Dogs Use First Half To Dispel Alumni Squad, 3-0
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi State's current squad erupted for two second half goals, then held back limited scoring opportunities by the alumnae squad in a 3-0 victory Saturday evening in the Second Annual Alumni Game at the Mississippi State Soccer Field.
Sherri Toler and Ngum Suh both netted first half goals, with the Bulldogs adding an insurance goal on an Own Goal by the alumnae team late in the first period. While the game took on a very strong form of competitiveness, Mississippi State head coach Neil McGuire was pleased with the setting of the event as well.
"It was a fun atmosphere tonight," said Mississippi State head coach Neil McGuire. "Our girls played very well at times and embraced the festivities and everybody had a really good time. We had a very good crowd out here to witness the event and I am very thankful for all of the support that this game was given."
Toler finished a beautiful assist from Karen Sandrik in the 20th minute (19:35), taking a pass from the sophomore on a run and rifling a shot to the left side for a 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs missed a chance to extend their lead 15 minutes later when, after a foul was called inside the box at the 34:55 mark, Emily Meyers fired a penalty kick attempt wide right of the goal. However, the current squad took a 2-0 lead into the break when the alumnae redirected Amy Van Zandt's cross into the back of their own net for an Own Goal.
Flowood native Meghan Odom helped stretch the advantage to 3-0 in the 71st tick (70:27), firing a beautiful cross into the box where Suh was open to finish with a header.
A total of 18 former Mississippi State players, as well as current assistant coach Robin Confer, suited up for the Alumnae squad -- the largest turnout of former players in the event's two-year history.
Mississippi State will return to action on Sunday when the Bulldogs suit up to host Team Boca Raton in a 12 p.m. contest at the Mississippi State Soccer Field as part of Super Bulldog Weekend festivities. Admission to the game is free.
MISSISSIPPI STATE 3, MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNAE 0
MSU Alumnae 0 0 -- 0 Mississippi State 2 1 -- 3
19:35, MSU: Sherri Toler (Karen Sandrik Assist)
34:55, MSU: Own Goal
70:27, MSU: Ngum Suh (Meghan Odom Assist)