STARKVILLE — The feeling inside the auditorium of the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex was tense on Monday afternoon as Mississippi State soccer awaited its place in the NCAA tournament.
Luckily, the Bulldogs didn’t have to wait long as their name appeared early into the selection show as a No. 7 seed, taking on New Mexico State at 3 p.m. Friday.
“This is a very proud day for our program,” Mississippi State head coach James Armstrong said. “The girls made a commitment last year to do whatever it took to be a part of the selection show the following year, so we will enjoy this moment.”
Mississippi State (11-5-4) will be playing in Florida State’s quarter of the bracket. The Seminoles are the No. 1 national seed in this year’s tournament.
No one knew if the Bulldogs had the résumé to be able to host in this year’s NCAA tournament with how the season ended as Mississippi State lost five of its last eight matches, including a second-round Southeastern Conference tournament loss to Alabama.
However, Mississippi State’s résumé this season speaks for itself, beginning with a 12-game unbeaten run to start the season and a 9-0-3 record over that span and the highest United Soccer coaches poll ranking in program history at No. 21.
The Bulldogs defeated traditional SEC power Arkansas in their first conference match of the season, going 3-0-1 to open conference play.
Mississippi State kept things close against eventual SEC tournament winner South Carolina, losing just 1-0 to the Gamecocks in early October in a game that very well could have swung the other way.
Additionally, MSU lost 2-1 on the road against Vanderbilt and played a much better game against the Crimson Tide in the SEC tournament, losing by a 2-0 scoreline.
Against SEC teams who made the field of 64, Mississippi State went 4-4-1 this season.
“I am so proud of the players and staff for the effort they have put into making this a historical season so far,” Armstrong said. “We will get back to work to prepare for another game on our home field in front of the loudest fans in the country.”
State plays host to the WAC tournament champions in New Mexico State, the auto-qualifier from the conference and a team that went 13-4-3 this season, finishing with a 7-2-2 conference record.
Against Power 5 opponents this season, the Aggies went 0-2, losing at Oregon and Texas A&M, a common opponent for both programs.
The Aggies this season were led by junior midfielder Loma McNeese, who was tied for fourth in the WAC for goals scored, and sophomore midfielder Bianca Chacon, who had the second-most assists of anyone in the conference with eight.
Mississippi State’s attack will be tested in this game, and after scoring just six goals in their final nine matches of the regular season, the Bulldogs will be looking to make a big statement Friday.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion