Starkville MS, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are looking to rebound from recent setbacks as they get ready to face No. 21 Vanderbilt in a pivotal match. Having suffered two consecutive losses, the Bulldogs aim to utilize their strong home record to secure a much-needed victory. Amidst challenges, including the absence of standout player Ally Perry, the team remains optimistic about their chances against a historically tough opponent. Fans can expect a competitive showdown as both teams seek to regain their footing and confidence.
Mississippi State Soccer Team Faces Challenging Match After Setback Losses
In Starkville, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for a crucial showdown against No. 21 Vanderbilt this Thursday evening. Unfortunately, after a rocky streak of back-to-back losses, the Bulldogs have slipped out of the United Soccer Coaches top 25 rankings where they once held a commendable position at No. 12.
The recent struggles were evident as Mississippi State suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against an unranked Florida team, followed by a disappointing loss to the No. 7 Arkansas team, despite leading at halftime. With this hiccup in performance, the Bulldogs are looking to turn things around as they prepare to host Vanderbilt.
On the bright side, Mississippi State boasts a robust home-field record this season, with an impressive 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (5-0-1). This upcoming match will mark the third time this season that the Bulldogs will host a higher-ranked opponent, a feat they managed well in the past, notably defeating No. 10 Wake Forest and top-ranked Tennessee on their home turf.
High Hopes and Determination
The Bulldogs are determined to make the most of their home advantage. Co-captain Zoe Main expressed confidence that the team thrives on their home field against ranked rivals. Meanwhile, teammate Chelsea Wagner noted how the supportive atmosphere at home tends to energize the players and propel them to greater heights.
However, Mississippi State faces some historical challenges against Vanderbilt, as they have never won a match at MSU Soccer Field, holding a record of 0-10-1 against the Commodores in Starkville. The last time these teams met in 2023, the match ended in a tie.
Team Tactics and Current Form
Both teams share similar playing styles, focusing on maintaining possession and demonstrating solid defensive skills. Vanderbilt is riding high, recently achieving their ninth shutout of the season while ranking second in the SEC for goal differential at an impressive +22, which also places them 14th nationally. They lead the SEC in shots per game at 8.00, with a shot accuracy nearing 48%. Coach Nick Zimmerman highlighted that Vanderbilt is currently one of the best teams in the country.
On a less encouraging note, Mississippi State will be without their standout player, Ally Perry, who is serving a one-game suspension due to a red card she received during the loss to Florida. Coach Zimmerman acknowledged Perry’s professionalism during this tough situation and mentioned that this might open doors for other players to shine.
Other notable players on the Bulldogs include Zoe Main, who has scored 5 goals, and goalkeeper Sarah Wommack, who has been key in the season with a goals-against average of 1.13 and a save percentage of 73.6%.
The upcoming match against Vanderbilt is crucial, not only for the Bulldogs’ aspirations of climbing back into the SEC standings but also for regaining their momentum and confidence after a shaky performance in recent games. With both teams looking for redemption, fans can expect an exciting matchup!
FAQ Section
What was Mississippi State’s ranking before dropping out of the top 25?
Mississippi State reached as high as No. 12 in the United Soccer Coaches top 25 rankings before falling out.
What were the recent losses suffered by the Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs suffered back-to-back losses, including a close 2-1 loss to unranked Florida and a loss to No. 7 Arkansas.
What is Mississippi State’s home-field record this season?
Mississippi State holds a strong home-field record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (5-0-1).
How has Mississippi State performed against Vanderbilt historically?
Historically, Mississippi State has never won a match at MSU Soccer Field, with a record of 0-10-1 against the Commodores in Starkville.
Why will Ally Perry miss the upcoming match against Vanderbilt?
Ally Perry will not participate in the upcoming match due to a one-game suspension resulting from a red card received in the loss to Florida.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Ranking | Reached as high as No. 12 |
| Recent Losses | Back-to-back losses to unranked Florida (2-1) and No. 7 Arkansas |
| Home Record | 5 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw (5-0-1) |
| Historical Matchup Against Vanderbilt | 0-10-1 record at MSU Soccer Field |
| Ally Perry’s Status | Missing due to one-game suspension |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mississippi State Defeats Ole Miss in SEC Volleyball Match
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Gators Upset No. 12 Mississippi State 2-1 on Senior Night
Florida Gators Upset No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State Football Prepares for Key Matchup Against Florida
Mississippi State Football Set to Face Florida Gators
Bulldogs Fall to No. 9 Texas A&M in Straight Sets
High School Football Highlights in Monroe County
Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Fall at Home to Vanderbilt
- Anchor of Gold: Soccer Preview and Gamethread – Mississippi State
- Florida Gators: Gators Win 2-1 over No. 12 Mississippi State
- NCAA: Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Upsets Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
