PENSACOLA — Mississippi State soccer won its 14th consecutive game on Tuesday, sealing a dramatic 2-1 overtime win with a golden goal against Tennessee. Forwards Hannah Johnson and Aitana Martinez-Montoya scored for the Bulldogs, with Johnson providing an assist for the latter, and remain undefeated against Southeastern Conference opponents this season.
The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead into the halftime interval, with Johnson firing a low shot in off the upright to get things rolling. Ally Perry and Zoe Main were their typical energetic selves early on, creating chances to put MSU in front early against the Vols, but they only managed one goal before Tennessee came roaring back.
The Vols registered eight shots in the second half, forcing overtime with a chaotic goal from a corner kick in the 75th minute. The Bulldogs were under constant pressure late in the game, leaning on the experience of Maddy Anderson and Rylie Combs to clear the ball.
The midfield reflected the absence of Ilana Izquierdo, who remains sidelined with a walking boot after an injury suffered against Kentucky in the final home game of the regular season. The team showed great resolve, however, with Anderson saving a potential winner for Tennessee from the penalty spot.
The work on defense paid off in the second period of overtime. The Bulldogs pressed right from the kickoff, winning the ball with Johnson dribbling forward. She played a lofted pass through to Aitana Martinez-Montoya, who converted with a diving, first-touch shot to win the game and send the Bulldogs into the semi-finals.
“I think the most important thing for us was to believe, we never stopped believing we had each other’s backs,” Martinez-Montoya said after the game. “This is this Mississippi State. That is what it takes to win in the SEC. It is just one run, just one ball. We are all about striving for greatness. All of us support one another’s hard work. Now we are getting ready for the next one.”
The win takes the Bulldogs to the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, where they will face South Carolina on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The match will air on SEC Network.
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