How sweet it is for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State soccer is headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the second-straight year after defeating the Washington Huskies 1-0 in front of a record crowd of 4,022 fans in Starkville. The 1-seed Bulldogs found a way to grind out another win and keep the best season in school history going.
Mississippi State defense stands strong once again
Defense has been the calling card for Bulldog soccer all season. After an offensive explosion in the first round of the tournament, State couldn't get much going on that end against Washington, and it was once again on their defense to propel them to victory. Washington had their chances in this match. The Huskies had six corner kicks and took 13 shots, five of which were on goal. But State did a good job of limiting truly good looks at the net, and even when Washington got those chances, Maddy Anderson stood tall with five saves. The Bulldogs recorded their 16th shutout of the season.
Zoe Main goal in 72nd minute wins match for Bulldogs
State didn't get much going offensively, though like Washington they had their chances. But they managed to turn defense into offense for the winning goal. In the 72nd minute, after withstanding a charge from the Huskies, the Bulldogs went on the counterattack. Hannah Johnson intercepted a pass by Washington, immediately putting the ball out in front of a spiriting Zoe Main, who was left free running the other way. Main would easily convert her shot into the game-winning goal.
ON THE COUNTERATTACK 😤#NCAASoccer x 🎥 ESPN+ / @HailStateSOC pic.twitter.com/e58LI97x0h
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 23, 2024
Mississippi State will host Notre Dame in the Sweet Sixteen
The Bulldogs will square off with a powerhouse in the Sweet Sixteen. 4-seed Notre Dame defeated Kentucky 3-1 Friday afternoon to make their 23rd all-time appearance in the third round. The 3x national champion-winning Fighting Irish will be amongst the toughest teams the Bulldogs have faced all season. They'll take the pitch Sunday evening at 5:00 PM CT in Starkville with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.