STARKVILLE — Mississippi State opened its 2026 soccer season with a 3-0 loss to Charlotte on Sunday afternoon. The 49ers scored twice in the first half, including an early goal just 66 seconds into the match.
Annabelle Walker put Charlotte ahead with her second goal of the day in the 23rd minute. The visitors extended their lead in the 65th minute after a disputed penalty kick that was overturned upon video review, but Charlotte scored less than a minute later from outside the box.
Despite outshooting Charlotte 17-5 and forcing the visiting goalkeeper to make seven saves, Mississippi State was unable to find the back of the net. Laila Murillo led the Bulldogs with two shots on goal, and Elsa Johnson had a notable 50-yard run creating a scoring opportunity in the 78th minute.
Head coach Kevin O’Brien acknowledged the team’s learning experience and praised Charlotte’s physical play. Mississippi State (6-1-0) will open SEC conference play Friday at Ole Miss, with the rivalry match airing on SEC Network+.
“The good news is we’re learning lessons going into conference play,” O’Brien said. “Not the way we wanted to, but that’s the fact of competitive athletics.”
The Bulldogs aim to extend their winning streak in the Magnolia Cup in the upcoming conference opener against Ole Miss in Oxford.
