News Summary
As the 2025 soccer season approaches, Mississippi State Bulldogs are buzzing with excitement over senior Ally Perry’s inclusion on the United Soccer Coaches’ Midfielders To Watch List. Coming off a strong previous season where she not only helped the team clinch the SEC Championship but also tied the school record for game-winning goals, Perry is set to make a significant impact. The Bulldogs are preparing for their season opener against UT Martin, showcasing talent and ambition for another championship run.
Exciting Times for Mississippi State Soccer!
Starkville is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 soccer season approaches, bringing with it some thrilling news for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Senior Ally Perry, who has been a key player for the team, has just been placed on the United Soccer Coaches’ prestigious Midfielders To Watch List for the upcoming season. Talk about a well-deserved recognition!
A Star on the Rise
Perry wasn’t just a cog in the wheel last season; she was a dominant force on the field. Her contributions were crucial to the team’s success as they clinched the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship. This accolade makes her one of five players from the SEC to be featured on this year’s list—a true testament to her talent and hard work!
Last season, Perry earned First Team All-SEC honors, and the numbers certainly speak for themselves. She finished the 2024 season as the leading scorer for the Bulldogs with an impressive 10 goals and a total of 24 points. Also, she was no slouch when it came to taking shots; she racked up a whopping 96 shots with 41 of them on goal. Her efficiency showed as she ranked 10th in the SEC for goals per game at 0.45, solidifying her as one of the best midfielders in the league.
Breaking Records
One of the standout achievements for Perry last season was tying the school record with five game-winning goals, placing her at No. 17 in the nation for that statistic. She showcased her consistent scoring abilities by earning points in at least 50% of the matches played by Mississippi State in 2024. It’s no wonder she earned rave reviews, even being ranked as the No. 44 player in the country by TopDrawerSoccer last year.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Bulldogs gear up to defend their SEC title, all eyes will be on them. The season opener is just around the corner, scheduled for this Thursday against UT Martin. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the kick-off at 6:30 p.m. local time in Starkville.
Before the official season kicks off, Mississippi State had an exhibition match against Louisiana-Monroe. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and the match was cut short due to severe weather conditions. Despite the early end, it was an eventful game. Mississippi State managed to open the scoring in the 41st minute after capitalizing on a turnover by ULM, with freshman Adia Symmonds netting the first goal to give her team a 1-0 lead at halftime.
But ULM fought back after the break. They were awarded a penalty kick that they converted in the 51st minute, followed by another score in the 78th minute to take the lead. Even though the Bulldogs faced some challenges, Coach Nick Zimmerman remained positive, reflecting on how the match gave all eligible players a chance to get some valuable playing time.
Looking Forward
As the Bulldogs prepare to launch into their season, the excitement is palpable. With a proven player like Ally Perry leading the charge, Mississippi State soccer is poised for another thrilling year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone looking to enjoy some local sports, make sure to cheer on the Bulldogs as they aim for another SEC title. It’s going to be a fantastic season in Starkville, so don’t miss out!
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Ally Perry Tabbed to National Midfielders to Watch List
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Soccer
- SI: Bulldog Roundup – Senior Midfielder Named to Watchlist
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer
- Go Huskies: UW Hits Magnolia State for NCAA Round of 32
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Hail State: Bulldogs’ Final Exhibition Match Cut Short
- Google News: SEC 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.
