Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset No. 10 Wake Forest in Soccer

Starkville MS, August 27, 2025

News Summary

The Mississippi State Bulldogs achieved a significant upset by defeating the No. 10 Wake Forest soccer team 2-1, improving their season record to 2-0. The match showcased the team’s tactical evolution under head coach Nick Zimmerman, particularly with the return of key player Ally Perry. The victory not only highlights the Bulldogs’ progress but also boosts their prospects for future tournaments.

Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State Bulldogs recorded a significant upset by defeating the No. 10 ranked Wake Forest soccer team 2-1 on Sunday, improving their season record to 2-0. The win not only showcases the team’s progress but also serves as a crucial résumé builder for their potential tournament seedings.

Head coach Nick Zimmerman highlighted that this match offered a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s development against a high-caliber opponent. The Bulldogs implemented a new tactical approach that emphasized both attacking play and possession during the game. Key players contributed to this strategy, including top scorer Ally Perry, who made her return to the lineup, and junior striker Zoe Main, senior Chelsea Wagner, and transfer Kyra Taylor.

Mississippi State’s game strategy featured a midfield diamond setup with Perry deployed as an attacking midfielder. She was supported by freshman Adia Symmonds and sophomore Kara Harris on the flanks, while junior Alivia Buxton took on the defensive midfield role. The center back partnership was solidified by Hannah Jibril and Naila Schoefberger. This formation allowed the Bulldogs to dominate possession for the majority of the match, forcing Wake Forest into a defensive posture during the first half.

The Bulldogs struggled to register a clear shot until the 20th minute but maintained control through effective pressing. Mississippi State took the lead in the 33rd minute when Kara Harris scored from a header rebound, assisted by Perry and Kennedy Husbands. However, Wake Forest equalized just before halftime in the 40th minute, as Allie Flanagan capitalized on a misplayed back pass from Harris.

In the second half, Perry regained the lead for Mississippi State by converting a penalty kick following a foul in the box. Despite numerous attempts from Wake Forest to level the score, the Bulldogs effectively managed their defense, limiting their opponents to just four shots on target throughout the match. The final score remained 2-1 in favor of Mississippi State.

Looking ahead, Mississippi State is set to travel to Waco, Texas, to face Baylor in their next game on Thursday at 7 p.m., which will be broadcast on ESPN+. This upcoming match will serve as another opportunity for the Bulldogs to build on their early-season success and continue to refine their tactical approach.

Key Match Highlights:

• Mississippi State defeated Wake Forest 2-1.
• Improved team record: 2-0.
• Ally Perry returned to the lineup, contributing significantly to the team’s attacking play.
• Kara Harris and Perry were vital in scoring both goals.
• Mississippi State’s defense limited Wake Forest to just four shots on target.

Upcoming Schedule:

• Next match: Thursday against Baylor in Waco, Texas at 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

Background:

The Bulldogs’ victory over a ranked team illustrates their progress under coach Nick Zimmerman and the successful implementation of a new tactical strategy aimed at enhancing their overall performance for the season. The early season success can lay the groundwork for future tournament opportunities.

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Additional Resources

• The Dispatch
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
• Hail State
• Google Search: Mississippi State soccer
• Sports Illustrated
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wake Forest University
• Wake Forest Athletics
• Google News: 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.