Organization Key As Bulldogs Scoot Past Memphis In Exhibition, 1-0
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Rising sophomore Heidi Ondra's goal midway through the second period of play was all the offensive support the Mississippi State Soccer team needed as the Bulldogs used organization and control to dominate its exhibition match with Memphis, 1-0, Wednesday evening at the Mississippi State Soccer Field.
"That is the best we have played in our new system," said Mississippi State head coach Neil McGuire. "Our overall team pressure to the ball was the best it has been and, as a result, we were able to play a majority of the game in their defensive third. This is a big step for us."
State dominated its offensive third for much of the contest, having put the visiting Tigers on their heels with high pressure and speed early on. Both teams were able to get a couple of looks in the first period, but neither really put together a real threat.
The Bulldogs put together a scoring threat which allowed them to penetrate into the penalty area in the second stanza and, after an errant clearance from the Memphis defense, Ondra one-timed a shot far post to put the Maroons up for good.
The Bulldogs will be back in action this weekend as the squad suits up to host its annual Alumni Game at 1 p.m. The contest will be preceded by a free clinic hosted by MSU and the SYSO. Both events will take place at the MSU Soccer Field.