Starkville, Mississippi, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State soccer team bounced back from the cancellation of their season opener by dominating Union in an exhibition match, winning 9-0. With standout performances from Ally Perry and Kyra Taylor, who each scored two goals, the Bulldogs showcased their offensive strength. Coach Nick Zimmerman appreciated the opportunity for his players to gain game experience before their official match against Jacksonville State. Looking ahead, Mississippi State is set to kick off their season soon.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State soccer team has adjusted its season schedule after their season-opening match against UT Martin was canceled due to heavy rain and lightning. This unexpected event has left the Bulldogs without any game experience for a full week, while other teams in the league were able to play twice during this period.
Despite the setback, the Bulldogs are preparing to kick off their official season against Jacksonville State on August 21. To ensure the team gains crucial game experience before this match, Mississippi State scheduled an exhibition match against Union, an NCAA Division II school. This match took place on August 17 at 6 p.m. and was intended to provide the Bulldogs with an opportunity to compete, although it will not count towards their official record.
In the exhibition match, the Bulldogs showcased their skills and dominated Union with a score of 9-0. Ally Perry and Kyra Taylor emerged as standout players by each scoring two goals in the first half. Laila Murillo contributed one goal, solidifying a strong opening half for Mississippi State. The team’s offense was relentless, outshooting Union 27-7, with 17 shots aimed directly at the goal.
Magnifying their performance, in the second half, Lauryn Taylor added another two goals to the Bulldogs’ tally, while Chelsea Wagner rounded out the scoring with one additional goal. Goalkeeper Sarah Wommack kept Union’s offense at bay with one save in the first half, followed by Jenny Harrison, who played the last 45 minutes and made an additional save.
Although the 9-0 victory was impressive, it is noteworthy that if it were an official match, the scoreline would have been the second-most goals scored in a single game in Mississippi State program history. Coach Nick Zimmerman expressed gratitude to Union for their flexibility in scheduling this game at short notice, highlighting the importance of getting game time for his players.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are eager to begin their regular season campaigns. Their first official match will be against Jacksonville State, scheduled for August 21, and the game will air live on SECN+ at 6:30 p.m.
Key Match Details
- Exhibition Match Result: Mississippi State 9, Union 0
- Game Dates: August 17 for exhibition; August 21 for official match
- Next Opponent: Jacksonville State
Statistics
| Team | Goals | Shots | Shots on Target | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 9 | 27 | 17 | 2 |
| Union | 0 | 7 | N/A | N/A |
Upcoming Schedule
- August 17: Exhibition Match vs. Union
- August 21: Official Match vs. Jacksonville State
FAQ
What was the reason for the cancellation of the opening match?
The opening match against UT Martin was canceled due to heavy rain and lightning.
Who did Mississippi State play in their exhibition match?
Mississippi State played against Union, an NCAA Division II team.
What was the score of the exhibition match?
The Bulldogs won the exhibition match 9-0 against Union.
When is Mississippi State’s first regular-season match?
The Bulldogs’ first official match is scheduled for August 21 against Jacksonville State.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Weather Forces Cancellation of Bulldogs’ Season Opener
Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for Season Opener
Starkville High School Welcomes New Football Coach John Carr
Mississippi State Football Scrimmage Shows Offensive Progress
New High School Planned for Starkville-Oktibbeha District
Heavy Rains Cancel Mississippi State Soccer Opener
Additional Resources
- Hailstate – State Routs Union in Final Preseason Tune-Up
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- SI – Bulldog Roundup: Mississippi State Wins Big
- Google Search: Mississippi State soccer
- Starkville Daily News – Taylor Gets Two Goals in Easy MSU Victory
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- C Dispatch – MSU Soccer Adds Sunday Exhibition
- Google News: Mississippi State soccer news
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
