2023-10-06 02:55:11
29 minutes ago Mississippi State Athletics
Photo: Mississippi State Athletics
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mississippi State traveled to the Sunshine State for a road contest on Thursday night and held off Florida, 1-0.
The Bulldogs improved to 7-3-3 overall and 2-2-2 in the SEC, while the Gators fell to 5-4-3, 1-3-1 in the SEC.
With both squads vying for three points in the SEC standings, State fought valiantly the full 90 minutes and earned a victory in Gainesville for the first time in program history.
Just 19 minutes into the first half of play, Aitana Martinez-Montoya seized control of the top spot in the Bulldog’s season goal tally when she netted her fourth goal of the season. It would prove to be the only goal scored on the night as well.
Ilana Izquierdo secured her first assist of the season on the play as she sprinted down the field just beyond the Florida box, delivering a precise through ball that met the outstretched foot of Martinez-Montoya to send the ball past the keeper and into the bottom right corner of the net.
The Dawgs’ defense was ferocious throughout the match as they held Florida to just one shot until the final thirteen minutes when the Gators registered two shots late as they tried to find the equalizer. State held Florida’s chances to run set pieces at bay as the Gators only secured three corners throughout the match.
Maddy Anderson made a single save on the night as she smothered Florida’s only shot on target. Anderson secured her 20th clean sheet in the Maroon and White on Thursday night, further cementing her status as the most accomplished keeper in program history as she furthers her shutout record.
Up Next
Mississippi State will return to the pitch on Sunday when they are set for a nationally televised battle with in-state foe Ole Miss for the Magnolia Cup in Starkville. The match is set for a 6 p.m. ET kick and can be viewed on ESPNU. Bulldog fans are encouraged to arrive early to help celebrate ‘Soctober Fest’ at the MSU Soccer Field.
1696562661
#Mississippi #State #holds #Florida #tight #contest
