STARKVILLE – Mississippi State did just enough to remain unbeaten in SEC play in a 1-1 draw against Auburn on Sunday in Starkville. The Tigers, led by former MSU head coach James Armstrong, made a strong impression on the road by taking the lead early in the second half. They frustrated the Bulldogs in midfield throughout the contest and registered seven shots on target despite MSU controlling the possession.
The Bulldogs (7-1-1, 2-0-1 SEC) had just two efforts on target going into the final minutes of the match. Armstrong and former assistant Drago Ceranic drew up an effective defensive plan to keep the MSU playmakers out of the game, and the Tigers were able to counter attack to good effect.
Auburn forward Olivia Woodson scored her fourth goal of the season in the 58th minute of the match, latching onto a rebound as MSU goalkeeper Sarah Wommack was still getting up after the first save.
It was the only time the Tigers got the better of Wommack, who had six saves in the game, but it was enough to ramp up the pressure on the Bulldogs. The struggles continued going forward, but desperation and chaos in the final minutes began to play in the hosts’ favor.
Ally Perry came to her team’s rescue once again in the final minutes, cutting onto her right foot and firing a low but powerful shot from about 25 yards out. The ball glided and took a bounce before finding the bottom left corner of the net to pull the Bulldogs level.
The Bulldogs had the ball searching for a winner in the final two minutes, but couldn’t find the right shot to steal the win.
MSU is back on the road on Friday for a match at Missouri, and will return home on Thursday, Oct. 2, for their Magnolia Cup matchup against Ole Miss.
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