Mississippi State Holds No. 9 Tennessee to Scoreless Draw

Knoxville, Tenn. — Mississippi State’s women’s soccer team secured a 0-0 draw against No. 9 Tennessee on Thursday night, marking the first time the Lady Vols were shut out at home since 2015, according to school officials.

The Bulldogs (7-1-2, 1-0-2 SEC) dominated the first half, outshooting Tennessee 11-0. It was only the third time in the past 26 years that the Lady Vols were held without a shot in a half. Coach Kevin O’Brien praised his team’s defensive effort.

“The girls executed the tactical game plan we had for them to a T, and they limited a phenomenal soccer team to sparing opportunities,” O’Brien said. “Having a team like that not get a shot off in the first half was amazing. Jenny Harrison did not have to make a significant save, which is a testament to how well we defended as a group.”

Tennessee finished the night with just six shots, its fewest of the season and well below its average, as the Lady Vols entered the game as a top-five scoring team in the SEC. Harrison earned her third shutout of the season, not being tested until the 82nd minute.

In the 77th minute, Tennessee’s Nyla Blue was shown a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by fouling Laila Murillo near the penalty area. Murillo tested the keeper again with under five minutes remaining. MSU managed only three shots after the red card, with Murillo, Kara Harris and Chiara Tappe each taking three shots overall.

Mississippi State continues its road trip Sunday, facing Kentucky at noon CT on SEC Network+. The Bulldogs will look to build on their conference points as they aim for their first SEC win of the season.

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