Starkville MS, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State men’s soccer team suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Florida, despite outshooting their opponent. This loss dropped them out of the Top 25 rankings. With a current record of 9-3-1, they now face challenges ahead, including a crucial upcoming match against No. 21 Vanderbilt without their star player. The implications of the loss add pressure as they aim to secure their spot for the SEC Tournament.
Starkville, MS – The Mississippi State men’s soccer team has suffered a setback following a 2-1 loss to unranked Florida, despite outshooting their opponent and maintaining a significant share of possession during the match. This defeat has resulted in the Bulldogs falling out of the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings, and they are now placed No. 17 in the TopDrawerSoccer College Rankings, where they have dropped seven positions.
With an overall record of 9-3-1 and a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record of 4-2-1, the Bulldogs’ loss has raised eyebrows concerning the fairness of the voting process for the rankings. Notably, Mississippi State received the highest number of votes—14—outside the Top 25, leaving many to speculate on the rationale behind their fall from grace.
The defeat also saw the Bulldogs slip to fifth place in the SEC standings, where they are tied with the No. 21 Vanderbilt team at 13 points. The top six teams in the conference are closely matched, with only three points separating them, adding further pressure to the Bulldogs as they aim to secure their positioning for the upcoming tournament.
Compounding their challenges, Mississippi State will be without their star player, Ally Perry, for their next match. During a replay review, a foul was committed against her that led to her receiving a red card, a decision that sparked complaints regarding the officiating. Perry’s absence will be felt, yet the Bulldogs have a deep roster capable of stepping up in her absence. Key players such as Zoe Main (5 goals), Laila Murillo (3 goals), and Kyra Taylor (3 goals) among others are expected to contribute significantly as the team moves forward.
The Bulldogs have three crucial games remaining before the SEC Tournament, which is set to be held in Pensacola, Florida. Their next challenge comes against No. 21 Vanderbilt on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the MSU Soccer Field, where they will look to regain their footing amidst fierce competition for a top spot in the conference.
Context and Future Matches
As the SEC season progresses, Mississippi State is aiming to refine their performance and overcome the recent hurdle of their loss to Florida. With high-stakes matches to conclude the season, the implications on rankings and tournament positions are paramount for the Bulldogs, paralleling the intensity of the competition within the SEC.
Key Statistics
| Team Record | 9-3-1 Overall, 4-2-1 SEC |
|---|---|
| Rankings | No. 17 in TopDrawerSoccer College Rankings |
| Loss to Florida | 2-1 |
| Points in SEC Standings | 13 points (Tied for 5th with Vanderbilt) |
| Goals by Key Players | Zoe Main (5), Laila Murillo (3), Kyra Taylor (3) |
| Next Match | vs. No. 21 Vanderbilt, Thursday, 6 p.m. |
FAQ
What was the result of Mississippi State’s recent match against Florida?
The Mississippi State men’s soccer team lost 2-1 to unranked Florida.
What is Mississippi State’s overall record after the loss?
The Bulldogs’ record stands at 9-3-1 overall and 4-2-1 in the SEC.
How did the loss affect Mississippi State’s ranking?
Following the loss, Mississippi State fell out of the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings and dropped to No. 17 in the TopDrawerSoccer College Rankings.
Who will be missing from the next match against Vanderbilt?
Ally Perry will be unavailable for the next match after receiving a red card in the Florida game.
What are Mississippi State’s remaining games before the SEC Tournament?
The Bulldogs have three games remaining before the SEC Tournament in Pensacola, Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Gators: Lauren Haeger is Mississippi State MS Two Bits
- Clarion Ledger: Fluff Bothwell Injury Update
- Gators Wire: Florida vs. Mississippi State Predictions
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida Gators
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.
