STARKVILLE—Another member of Mississippi State’s 2024 soccer team joined the professional ranks this week, with defender Rylie Combs signing a contract with Swedish outfit Eskilstuna United. She is the second Bulldog to go professional in recent weeks after Macey Hodge signed with Angel City FC in December.
Combs was an important part of the Bulldogs’ spine over the past two seasons, totaling 5,975 minutes in 77 appearances at MSU.
“Riley came to us four years ago, and we knew how special she could be,” MSU head coach Nick Zimmerman said. “She trusted us in developing her both on and off the field, and to see her have this opportunity really hits home. She is a massive reason why this program is where it is now. She has touched so many lives and has left the jersey in a better place. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to all her continued success.”
She garnered several individual accolades as a senior, including the 2024 Southeastern Conference Defender of the Year, First-Team All-SEC honors, and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American honors. In her senior year, she ranked 39th in the Top Drawer Soccer player rankings.
“We have been looking for a center back who is tough and defensively very strong, good in the physical game and who is fast,” Eskilstuna United manager Rickard Johansson said of the club’s new signing. “Rylie possesses these qualities. She is a really tough player and one that hurts to face. It will be exciting to follow her journey from college to Swedish football.”
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