Starkville, Mississippi, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State soccer team showcased their skills with a commanding 9-0 victory in a preseason exhibition match against Union. With key performances from players, the Bulldogs refined their game ahead of their first regular-season matchup. The match served as an essential opportunity to practice after their season opener was canceled due to severe weather. Head coach Nick Zimmerman expressed gratitude for the chance to compete and prepare for the upcoming season.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State soccer team had an impressive showing in their preseason exhibition match against the NCAA Division II school Union on August 17, 2025, at the MSU Soccer Field. The Bulldogs emerged victorious, winning the match 9-0, showcasing their skills ahead of the upcoming regular season.
The exhibition match provided Mississippi State with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their performance after their originally scheduled season opener against UT Martin on August 14, 2025, was canceled due to severe weather and lightning storms. With the rain and lightning pushing back their competitive schedule, the Bulldogs seized the chance to engage with Union, which had agreed to play the match amid the disappointing news regarding UT Martin.
If the game had been an official competition, the Bulldogs’ scoring output would have marked the second-most goals recorded in a single game in the program’s history. Six of the nine goals scored by Mississippi State came in the first half, with standout performances from players such as Ally Perry and Kyra Taylor, who both netted two goals each. Laila Murillo contributed an additional goal to the tally, further establishing the Bulldogs’ offensive dominance.
In the second half, Lauryn Taylor continued the scoring spree by netting two goals. Both scores came from rebound shots off Chelsea Wagner, who also found the back of the net once when Taylor delivered a precise cross. The Bulldogs maintained their offensive pressure throughout the match, concluding with a total of 27 shots taken, 17 of which were on target, compared to Union’s seven shots, with only one on goal managed by goalkeeper Sarah Wommack during the first half. Jenny Harrison took over in goal for Mississippi State during the final 45 minutes and made a single save.
This exhibition match is crucial for Mississippi State as they prepare for their first regular-season game against Jacksonville State, scheduled for August 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. on SECN+. The Bulldogs are aiming for a strong start to the season as they look to capitalize on the momentum generated from their commanding win against Union.
Head coach Nick Zimmerman expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the opener against UT Martin but appreciated Union’s willingness to engage in this exhibition match, providing his team with the extra practice they needed ahead of the regular season.
Summary of Match Performance
- Final Score: Mississippi State 9, Union 0
- Goals Scored:
- First Half:
- Ally Perry: 2 goals
- Kyra Taylor: 2 goals
- Laila Murillo: 1 goal
- Second Half:
- Lauryn Taylor: 2 goals
- Chelsea Wagner: 1 goal
- First Half:
- Total Shots: Mississippi State 27, Union 7
- Shots on Target: Mississippi State 17, Union 1
Upcoming Matches
Mississippi State’s next game will be against Jacksonville State on August 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
FAQ Section
- What was the score of the game?
- Mississippi State won the game against Union with a score of 9-0.
- When did the match take place?
- The match was held on August 17, 2025.
- What were the key highlights of the match?
- Key highlights include Ally Perry and Kyra Taylor each scoring two goals in the first half, with Lauryn Taylor adding two more in the second half.
- What happened to the original season opener?
- The season opener against UT Martin was canceled due to severe weather and lightning storms.
- When is Mississippi State’s next scheduled match?
- Mississippi State’s next match will be against Jacksonville State on August 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Match Performance Overview
| Team | Total Shots | Shots on Target | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 27 | 17 | 9 |
| Union | 7 | 1 | 0 |
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
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: State Routs Union in Final Preseason Tune-Up
- SI: Bulldog Roundup – Mississippi State Wins Big in Final Exhibition Match
- UTM Sports: Soccer Skyhawk Season Opener at Mississippi State Canceled
- Starkville Daily News: Taylor Gets Two Goals in Easy MSU Victory
- Daily Dispatch: MSU Soccer Adds Sunday Exhibition After Thursday Rainout
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer 2025
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Soccer
- 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.
