The Mississippi State soccer team claimed a huge victory over 13th ranked South Carolina thanks to this goal by freshman Zakirah Makillivary
When the Mississippi State soccer team took on the No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks, the Bulldogs were aiming to bounce back from an SEC loss to Auburn. But, this game was more than just that. Mississippi State was looking to get its first win against a ranked opponent in several years.
Prior to the Bulldogs’ overtime game against South Carolina on Thursday evening, the last time that Mississippi State was victorious over a ranked foe was all the way back in 2015 when MSU took down the 20th ranked Kentucky Wildcats.
Needless to say, it’s been a few seasons since that win.
And now in 2018, the Mississippi State soccer team has a solid win over the current No. 13 team in the nation. In the coaches poll, the South Carolina Gamecocks come in at No. 13 while the Bulldogs receive votes. In the latest RPI rankings however, Mississippi State sits at No. 2 while South Carolina is No. 6.
And thanks to this goal by MSU freshman Zakirah Makillivary, the Bulldogs were able to get that win. Check it out below:
And with that, MSU gets it's first win over a ranked team under @TomAnagnost! Zakirah McGillivary sends a record-breaking crowd home happy in Starkville! #SCtop10#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/ASqfiGDgpC
— Mississippi State Soccer (@HailStateSOC) September 21, 2018
With that goal, the Mississippi State Bulldogs ended a horrible streak of losses against ranked opponents, earned a solid win over a great team, and likely gained plenty of momentum heading into Sunday’s matchup with No. 19 ranked Tennessee in Knoxville.
The Mississippi State soccer program appears to be ready to earn some national recognition. The Bulldogs will have plenty of tough challenges in the SEC. However, that will also give MSU some opportunities to gain more respect.