Mississippi State Bulldogs Make History with Magnolia Cup Victory Over Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. – On a chilly Friday night, the Mississippi State Bulldogs showcased their dominance in women’s soccer with a stunning 2-0 victory over their in-state rival, Ole Miss, in the highly anticipated Magnolia Cup. This victory not only adds another trophy to the MSU cabinet but also marks a remarkable milestone for the Bulldogs as they have now claimed the Magnolia Cup for the fifth consecutive year.
Bulldogs’ Streak Continues
With this win, the Bulldogs improve their record to 13-1-0 and maintain an impressive 7-0-0 start in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, a new high for the team. Notably, this victory extends their current winning streak to ten games and ties the program record for the most wins in a single season. The Bulldogs’ ironclad defense, which has already earned the team a staggering 12 shutouts this year, was on full display against the Rebels.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
As the referee blew the whistle to start the match, it was clear the Bulldogs were ready to take charge. Just over a minute into the game, sophomore forward Zoe Main struck first, finding the back of the net after a beautiful assist from teammate Ally Perry. This goal not only gave the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead but also became the fastest goal ever scored in Magnolia Cup history! Talk about setting the tone!
Defense Leads the Way
Despite their early setback, Ole Miss was determined to find their footing and answer back. However, the stout Mississippi State defense was simply unyielding. Senior goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, who is currently leading the nation in goals-against average, delivered an outstanding performance with a remarkable four saves. Anderson showcased her skills and leadership, securing her 11th clean sheet of the season, marking this as the 12th shutout in total. It’s clear that her presence in the net has been crucial for the Bulldogs throughout the season.
A Rivalry Pulsing with Intensity
The match only intensified as both teams battled fiercely. The second half saw heightened physicality, leading to four yellow cards being issued. Both the Bulldogs and the Rebels displayed the intensity expected from such a storied rivalry. Yet, Mississippi State maintained their composure under pressure, keeping their eyes on the prize.
Sealing the Victory
In the dying minutes of the match, the Bulldogs put the final nail in the coffin. In the 87th minute, Zoe Main found the net again, completing her brace with a perfect delivery from Aitana Martinez-Montoya. This goal effectively sealed the victory for Mississippi State and allowed them to bask in the glory of their fifth straight Magnolia Cup triumph—a feat neither program had accomplished until now.
Looking Ahead
For Ole Miss, the night was challenging, with goalkeeper Shu Ohba facing a barrage of shots, recording eight saves to try and keep her team within striking distance. Unfortunately for the Rebels, their struggles in SEC play continue, leaving them winless in their conference matchup.
Now, the Bulldogs will return home for their final regular season game of 2024, set to face Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. It promises to be an exciting matchup that fans won’t want to miss! For those eager to keep up with all things Bulldogs, they can follow the team on social media by searching for “HailStateSoc” on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
