STARKVILLE — Fans at the MSU Soccer Field waited with baited breath as Mississippi State midfielder Ally Perry stepped up to the ball with 40 seconds left in regulation.
Thanks to forward Kennedy White, the Bulldogs had an incredible free-kick opportunity just outside Miami’s 18-yard box.
A head-on collision with Hurricanes keeper Melissa Dagenais resulted in a red card for Miami, down a player for the final minute of play. Perry, coming off an ACL injury that sidelined her for the majority of the 2022 season, had the opportunity to play hero on Sunday.
She did just that, finding the top right corner for a beautiful free-kick goal, completing a 2-1 late comeback win for the Bulldogs over Miami.
“I’ve been working on that for the past few weeks with James [Armstrong],” Perry said. “I got put in for that reason, so I just wanted to do what I had to do.”
Until the final three minutes of play, Mississippi State (4-1-1) played at a deficit, down 1-0 after an own goal in the first half.
Miscommunication on a goal-line clearance saw the ball cleared right past MSU goalkeeper Maddy Anderson and into the back of the net.
However, that deficit was erased after Delaney Brown was taken down in the box for a penalty, which Aitana Martinez-Montoya easily converted in the bottom left corner of the goal.
“I thought we played a really good first half,” head coach James Armstrong said. “Gave away a soft goal. We just told the girls to be patient, that we thought it was going to come. … Couldn’t be more proud. That’s a big result. Without the crowd, I don’t think we win today.”
A highly-energetic crowd of more than 800 fans made their voices heard, and as the Bulldogs continued attacking build-up in the second half, their cheers increased in volume.
Miami, after four shots and two shots on goal in the first half, were held without a shot in the second half.
Mississippi State, on the other hand, had 10 shots, including four on goal, finishing with 18 total shots and seven shots on goal.
Thursday’s match against Iowa was expected to be a physical one, but Sunday proved to be even more physical, with six yellow cards, one red card and 29 total fouls.
“A different style than Iowa, but we feel like we’ve put together a strong non-conference schedule,” Armstrong said. “That was a better Miami team than we played last year, so we’ll take a lot of pride in that. When you play at home, these are the games you have to win if you want to make a push for an NCAA tournament bid.”
It all came down to the left foot of Perry, someone who rehabbed the entire offseason to prepare for her redshirt sophomore season.
Sunday was her most meaningful minutes of the year despite playing in just 18 minutes overall, but in the end, her free-kick strike made it four wins in six matches to begin 2023 for Mississippi State.
“I can’t explain how I’m feeling right now,” Perry said. “I was given the opportunity and I’m really thankful for it. I’m thankful for this team and I’m glad it paid off, what I’ve been working toward. … It was hard, but it’s really coming together right now. I’m very grateful.”
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