Mississippi State University’s soccer squad opened its preseason campaign with a 2‑0 defeat to the Memphis Tigers on Tuesday night, a result that underscored both the team’s potential and its growing pains.
The Tigers dominated possession from the outset, and their first goal came from a header off a corner that found the back of the net, while an own goal by fifth‑year defender Ashley Tutas added the second tally for Memphis.
Between the posts, senior keeper Jenny Harrison made a series of crucial saves that kept the Bulldogs scoreless in the opening period, and freshman Liesel Tetmeyer also contributed solid stops, drawing praise from head coach Kevin O’Brien.
Coach’s Perspective
O’Brien acknowledged the early instability, noting that the squad has been hampered by eight injuries and a roster of just 19 newcomers, but he highlighted the goalkeeping performances as a bright spot amid the learning curve.
The Bulldogs will have one final exhibition before the regular season begins, facing Southeastern Louisiana next week before opening the schedule against South Alabama on August 12, giving the team a chance to iron out the kinks.
With head coach Kevin O’Brien at the helm for his first year, the program is poised to blend fresh talent with the experience of returning players, aiming to build cohesion as the season progresses.