Starkville MS, August 25, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling match, the Mississippi State Bulldogs soccer team stunned the No. 10 Wake Forest Deacons, winning 2-1 at the MSU Soccer Field. After an early goal by Kara Harris, Wake Forest equalized before halftime. Ally Perry sealed the victory with a penalty in the second half. This match marks a significant upset and a confidence boost for the Bulldogs, especially after their prior win against Jacksonville State. With the crowd’s support and high energy, Mississippi State demonstrated their potential as they move forward in the season.
Exciting Upset in Starkville: Mississippi State Shocks No. 10 Wake Forest with 2-1 Victory
Starkville turned into a buzzing hub of excitement as the Mississippi State Bulldogs soccer team faced off against the highly-ranked No. 10 Wake Forest Deacons in a highly anticipated encounter. The game, held at the MSU Soccer Field, kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Coming into this match, the Bulldogs were eager to establish their ground after a triumphant 3-0 victory over Jacksonville State in their season opener. Though their first game had been postponed due to thunderstorms, Mississippi State’s momentum remained high as they prepared for this showdown against a formidable opponent. The Deacons, boasting an impressive record of 3-0-0, had entered the match without allowing a single goal.
The night was not just about points; it was a rematch from last season, where Wake Forest had edged out Mississippi State with a 3-2 victory. Only four players returned from that thrilling encounter, including two Bulldogs: Ally Perry and Alivia Buxton. The energy in the air was palpable, and both teams understood the significance of this early-season test.
Thrilling First Half
The opening minutes saw Mississippi State take control of the field. Kara Harris wasted no time, netting the first goal early on to send the home crowd into a frenzy. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, an error in defense allowed Wake Forest to equalize just before halftime, making it a 1-1 game as both teams headed to the locker rooms.
Decisive Moments
The second half showcased resilience from the Bulldogs. A thrilling atmosphere greeted the players as they returned with determination. With both teams pushing for the lead, it was Ally Perry who emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning penalty. The crowd erupted, and the Bulldogs secured a noteworthy victory against a higher-ranked team.
This match was not only a testament to Mississippi State’s growth but also a crucial confidence builder as they prepare to face future challenges, including future Big 12 opponents. Mississippi State’s head coach, Nick Zimmerman, celebrated his first match in charge with a superb win, reinforcing the belief in his squad.
Game Notes and Fan Engagement
Final Thoughts
FAQ
1. When did the match between Mississippi State and Wake Forest take place?
The match occurred on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the MSU Soccer Field in Starkville.
2. What was Mississippi State’s record before the game?
Mississippi State held a record of 1-0-0, following a 3-0 victory against Jacksonville State in their season opener.
3. Who scored the winning goal for Mississippi State?
Ally Perry scored the game-winning penalty for the Bulldogs.
4. Were there any special promotions for fans attending the game?
Yes, the first 200 fans received blackout t-shirts.
5. How many goals had Wake Forest conceded before this match?
Wake Forest had not conceded any goals in their first three matches of the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fall Exhibition Game in Starkville Featuring Mississippi State Baseball
Mississippi State Soccer Team Prepares for Season Opener
Mississippi State Soccer Welcomes Class of 2025 Recruits
Mississippi State Baseball Continues to Impact MLB
Mississippi State Soccer Team Dominates in Exhibition Match
Mississippi State Soccer Team Dominates Union in Exhibition Match
Blake Shapen Named Starting Quarterback for Mississippi State
New Students Begin Move-In Week at Mississippi State University
Mississippi State Bulldogs Soccer Season Opener Canceled
Additional Resources
- C Dispatch: MSU Soccer Downs No. 10 Wake Forest
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- 247 Sports: Mississippi State Wake Forest Soccer Recap
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer
- Hail State: Bulldogs Host No. 10 Wake Forest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- SI: Bulldog Roundup on Mississippi State Soccer
- Google News: Mississippi State vs Wake Forest Soccer
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.
