Starkville, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State women’s soccer team secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against the 10th ranked Wake Forest. Key players, Kara Harris and Ally Perry, led the team to victory with crucial goals. This match improved Mississippi State’s record to 2-0-0 for the season, while Wake Forest fell to 3-1-0. Head coach Nick Zimmerman celebrated his first win and acknowledged areas for improvement moving forward. The Bulldogs are set to face Baylor and Oklahoma State next, continuing their promising start to the season.
Starkville – In an exhilarating match at the Mississippi State Soccer Complex on August 24, 2025, the Mississippi State women’s soccer team achieved a notable 2-1 victory over the highly ranked Wake Forest, currently ranked #10 in the nation. With this win, Mississippi State improved its season record to 2-0-0, while Wake Forest’s record fell to 3-1-0.
The match was characterized by strong performances from key players. Kara Harris opened the scoring for Mississippi State in the 34th minute with a goal that was assisted by teammates Ally Perry and Kennedy Husbands. However, Wake Forest equalized just before halftime, with Allie Flanagan scoring in the 41st minute. The crucial turning point of the match came in the 70th minute, when Ally Perry scored the game-winning goal via a penalty kick.
Wake Forest’s goalkeeper, Valentina Amaral, had a challenging night, making a season-high four saves and facing a career-high 15 shots. Despite her efforts, the team was unable to secure a second equalizer after Mississippi State regained the lead.
Following the match, Mississippi State’s head coach Nick Zimmerman pointed out that his team had opportunities to extend their lead but acknowledged the need for improvement on set pieces. He reflected on how the Bulldogs displayed dominant possession in the first half but let their guard down, allowing Wake Forest to equalize. He emphasized the importance of learning from these defensive lapses as the season progresses.
This victory also marked a significant milestone for Coach Zimmerman, as it was his first career win leading the Bulldogs. He commended the team’s chemistry and mutual support, underscoring the crucial nature of celebrating each other’s successes on and off the field.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are scheduled to face Baylor and Oklahoma State in their upcoming matches. They will return home on September 4th to host Louisiana Tech, as they continue their momentum from this impressive victory.
In summary, Mississippi State’s thrilling win over Wake Forest not only showcased the team’s potential but also highlighted areas for growth as they aim for a successful season ahead.
Upcoming Matches
- September 4, 2025 – Louisiana Tech (Home)
- Scheduled matches against Baylor and Oklahoma State
Match Summary
| Team | Goals | Season Record |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 2 | 2-0-0 |
| Wake Forest | 1 | 3-1-0 |
Key Players
- Kara Harris – First goal (34th minute)
- Ally Perry – Game-winning penalty kick (70th minute)
- Valentina Amaral – Wake Forest goalkeeper with 4 saves
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was Mississippi State 2, Wake Forest 1.
When was the match played?
The match took place on August 24, 2025.
What are the next matches for the Mississippi State Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs are set to play against Baylor and Oklahoma State, with their next home game against Louisiana Tech on September 4, 2025.
Who scored the goals for Mississippi State?
Kara Harris scored the first goal, and Ally Perry scored the game-winning goal via a penalty kick.
What was notable about the Wake Forest goalkeeper?
Valentina Amaral made a season-high four saves and faced a career-high 15 shots during the match.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Topple No. 10 Wake Forest
- Wake Forest: Women’s Soccer Falls at Mississippi State
- SI: Bulldog Roundup After Mississippi State’s First Win
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Wins Over Top 10 Opponent
- Wikipedia: Soccer in the United States
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.
