Starkville, August 26, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling match, the Mississippi State Bulldogs women’s soccer team triumphed over #10 Wake Forest with a 2-1 victory. Kara Harris scored the first goal in the first half, followed by Ally Perry’s decisive penalty kick in the second half. This win marks an encouraging start to the season for the Bulldogs, improving their record to 2-0-0. Coach Nick Zimmerman celebrated his first win, emphasizing the team’s execution and preparation while noting areas for improvement as they move forward.
Starkville
The Mississippi State Bulldogs women’s soccer team made a significant impression on August 24, 2025, with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the #10 Wake Forest. This win marks an optimistic beginning for the Bulldogs as they improve their season record to 2-0-0, while Wake Forest’s record slips to 3-1-0.
Kara Harris kicked off the scoring for Mississippi State at 33:24, netting her first goal of the season with the assistance of teammates Ally Perry and Kennedy Husbands. However, Wake Forest quickly equalized, with Allie Flanagan finding the back of the net just before halftime at 40:04.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Ally Perry scored a crucial penalty kick for the Bulldogs at 70:21, sealing the win. Mississippi State’s redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Valentina Amaral showcased her skills by making a season-high four saves and facing a career-high total of 15 shots from the opposition.
Coaching Milestone
New head coach Nick Zimmerman achieved his first career win in this match, following a previous victory over Jacksonville State. Zimmerman expressed satisfaction with the team’s execution of practiced strategies and highlighted their diligent preparation. The Bulldogs were able to display their growth and team chemistry during the game.
Match Insights
Following the game, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of set pieces and player rotations. Despite the victory, there is recognition for necessary improvements in converting set-piece opportunities into goals, an area which the team intends to focus on moving forward. The match was held at Mississippi State University as part of the regular women’s soccer schedule.
Season Outlook
With this victory over a ranked opponent, Mississippi State has established a strong foundation for the season. The win not only elevates their confidence but also sets the tone for upcoming matches as they aim to build on this success. The Bulldogs will be looking to continue their momentum, armed with valuable insights into their performance and areas needing enhancement.
Key Match Statistics
- Final Score: Mississippi State 2, Wake Forest 1
- Mississippi State Record: 2-0-0
- Wake Forest Record: 3-1-0
- Goals:
- Kara Harris – 33:24
- Allie Flanagan (Wake Forest) – 40:04
- Ally Perry (Penalty Kick) – 70:21
- Mississippi State Goalkeeper Saves: 4
- Wake Forest Shots: 15
FAQ
What was the final score of the match between Mississippi State and Wake Forest?
The final score was Mississippi State 2, Wake Forest 1.
Who scored the goals for Mississippi State?
Kara Harris scored the first goal, and Ally Perry converted a penalty kick for the second goal.
What is the current season record for Mississippi State women’s soccer?
The Bulldogs now have a record of 2-0-0.
Who is the head coach of Mississippi State women’s soccer?
The head coach is Nick Zimmerman.
How many saves did the goalkeeper make during the match?
Goalkeeper Valentina Amaral made four saves.
Key Match Features
| Feature | Mississippi State | Wake Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 1 |
| Record | 2-0-0 | 3-1-0 |
| Goals | Kara Harris, Ally Perry (penalty) | Allie Flanagan |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 4 | N/A |
| Total Shots | N/A | 15 |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Topple No. 10 Wake Forest
- Wake Forest Athletics: No. 10 Demon Deacons Fall on the Road
- Sports Illustrated: Bulldog Roundup After First Win
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Wins Over Top 10 Opponent
- 247 Sports: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest Soccer Recap
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
