Mississippi State Soccer Prepares for SEC Home Opener Against Florida

Mississippi State will face Florida in its SEC women’s soccer home opener Friday at 6 p.m. CT, broadcast on SEC Network+. The Bulldogs enter the match riding momentum from a 1-0 victory against Ole Miss in their league opener, marking their fifth straight year starting SEC play with a win.

MSU last lost its first SEC home game in 2021, when Florida was the opponent. This will be the first back-to-back meeting between the teams since 2003-16. The Bulldogs aim for their fifth consecutive SEC home victory.

Leading scorer Laila Murillo has five goals this season, including two multi-goal games. She has taken 27 shots, with 14 in the past three matches. Kati Anne Shepherd and Hailey Johnson are tied with 11 points each, contributing to five of State’s six goals in the first 20 minutes of games this season.

The Bulldogs have scored two goals less than six minutes apart four times this season, surpassing their total in 2024 and 2025. The team’s defense allows an average of 5.6 shots per game, second in the SEC behind Auburn, with goalkeeper Jenny Harrison making a season-high six saves in the last match.

Florida, with a 4-3-1 record, opened SEC play with a loss. The Gators are led offensively by former Bulldogs Kyra Taylor and Zoe Main. Florida averages 18.38 shots per game, ranking second in the SEC and 20th nationally.

The match features a reunion of past coaches and players, including former MSU head coach Nick Zimmerman, now at Florida. The Bulldogs will next travel to face No. 8/4 Tennessee on Thursday before a Sunday game at Kentucky.

Follow Mississippi State soccer on X, Facebook, and Instagram under “HailStateSOC” for updates.

Source: Original Article