Starkville, Mississippi, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State women’s soccer team secured a notable victory against No. 10 Wake Forest, winning 2-1. Led by new coach Nick Zimmerman, the Bulldogs improved to 2-0-0 this season. Kara Harris opened the scoring with a goal, while Ally Perry sealed the victory with a penalty kick. Despite a goal from Wake Forest’s Allie Flanagan, strong defensive play and goalkeeper Valentina Amaral’s four saves ensured the win. Coach Zimmerman expressed pride in the team’s resilience and growth.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State women’s soccer team achieved a significant victory by defeating the No. 10 ranked Wake Forest University with a score of 2-1 on August 28, 2025. This win marks the Bulldogs’ second consecutive victory to start the season, improving their record to 2-0-0 under the leadership of new head coach Nick Zimmerman.
The action began with the Bulldogs taking the lead when Kara Harris scored the first goal at the 33:24 mark of the game. This goal was a collaborative effort, being assisted by teammates Ally Perry and Kennedy Husbands. However, the Demon Deacons quickly responded, with Allie Flanagan leveling the score just before halftime, netting a goal at 40:04.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Ally Perry converted a penalty kick at 70:21, putting Mississippi State back in the lead for good. This goal ultimately secured the victory for the Bulldogs, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the match.
Strong defensive performances were crucial for the Bulldogs, with Mississippi State goalkeeper Valentina Amaral delivering a remarkable performance by making four saves, despite facing a career-high total of 15 shots from Wake Forest. Amaral’s efforts helped to consistently keep the Bulldogs in contention throughout the match.
Post-match, coach Nick Zimmerman expressed pride in the team’s performances, highlighting their ability to adapt to the challenges presented early in the season. He emphasized the importance of working on set pieces during practice and building chemistry among the players to shape a cohesive unit moving forward.
This match served as a valuable experience for many players on the roster, which is intentionally designed to be smaller. This strategy allows younger players to gain essential playing time and develop their skills in competitive environments. Ally Perry was noted as a key leader on the team, consistently creating scoring opportunities and helping to guide her teammates on the field.
In their previous game, the Bulldogs had also secured a convincing 3-0 win against Jacksonville State, marking Nick Zimmerman’s first career win as head coach. As the season progresses, Mississippi State looks to build on its momentum, focusing on continuous improvement, especially in terms of executing set pieces effectively.
Overall, the Bulldogs have begun their season strong, demonstrating potential for future successes under the new coaching regime, while building on their positive momentum from these early victories.
FAQ
- What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest game?
- The final score was Mississippi State 2, Wake Forest 1.
- When did the match take place?
- The match took place on August 28, 2025.
- How many saves did Valentina Amaral make during the match?
- Valentina Amaral made four saves in the match.
- What was the Bulldogs’ record after the match against Wake Forest?
- After the match, the Bulldogs’ record improved to 2-0-0.
- Who scored the goals for Mississippi State?
- Kara Harris scored the first goal, and Ally Perry scored the second goal via a penalty kick.
Key Features of the Match
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Mississippi State 2 – 1 Wake Forest |
| Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Goals | Kara Harris (33:24), Ally Perry (penalty kick, 70:21) |
| Opponent’s Goal | Allie Flanagan (40:04) |
| Goalkeeper Saves | Valentina Amaral – 4 saves from 15 shots |
| Coach | Nick Zimmerman |
| Season Record | 2-0-0 |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Perry’s Penalty Helps Bulldogs Topple No. 10 Wake Forest
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Women’s Soccer
- Wake Forest: No. 10 Demon Deacons Fall on the Road
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs soccer
- SI: Bulldog Roundup – What Mississippi State Soccer Coach Said After First Win
- Google News: Mississippi State soccer
- 247 Sports: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest Soccer Recap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Wins Over Top 10 Opponent in Soccer
- Google Scholar: 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.
