Season Opener Triumph
Mississippi State’s soccer squad kicked off the season with a gritty 2‑1 victory on the road against UAB, handing the Bulldogs their first win away from home and setting a positive tone for the campaign.
Freshman forward Hailey Johnson opened the scoring seven minutes in, pouncing on a loose ball in the offensive box after a quick transition that caught the Blazers off guard.
Ten minutes later, midfielder Ashlety Tutas doubled the lead with a well‑timed header from a corner kick, the ball slipping past the UAB keeper after a scramble in the six‑yard area.
UAB’s Late Surge
The second half flipped the script as UAB pressed hard, outshooting Mississippi State 5‑0 and pulling one back in the 62nd minute to narrow the gap.
Goalkeeper Jenny Harrison made a spectacular diving save to keep the Bulldogs ahead, and when the rebound fell to Emily Cole, her quick strike sealed the defense.
Numbers and Narrative
Despite the late rally, the Bulldogs dominated set‑piece opportunities, earning 13 corners to UAB’s three, while the match saw nine fouls called against Mississippi State, underscoring the physical nature of the contest.
Mississippi State also edged the shot count, finishing with six attempts to UAB’s five, a testament to their overall pressure throughout the game.
Coach’s Verdict and Look Ahead
Head coach Kevin O’Brien praised the team’s resilience, noting that they “dug deep and competed fiercely” throughout the match, a sentiment that bodes well as they prepare to host Arkansas State on Thursday night.