Women’s Soccer Comes Up Short at No. 3 Mississippi State
STARKVILLE, Miss. – A valiant defensive effort from Kentucky women’s soccer (10-3-4, 2-3-4) fell just short Thursday evening as the Cats lost 0-1 to No. 3 Mississippi State (14-1-0, 8-0-0) to conclude the road portion of their Southeastern Conference regular season. The Wildcats were outshot by the Bulldogs 8-4 with a 3-1 shots on goal advantage going to the hosts. Marz Josephson had two saves on the night for Kentucky.
Much like the game against Auburn (12-1-3, 4-1-3) that ended 0-0 at the Bell, Kentucky and Mississippi State found themselves in a tactical deadlock in the opening 20 minutes, as both teams sought to find any potential weakness in their opponent they could take advantage of. The Wildcats managed the pressure well to start but a momentary defensive lapse on the left flank saw the Bulldogs find the opening goal in the 25th minute via Kennedy Husbands. Recent substitute Chelsea Wagner whipped a ball into the box that beat an outrushing Josephson and bounced fortuitously into Husbands in the six-yard box and into the goal.
Kentucky looked to find the equalizer throughout the remainder of the first half but struggled to maintain possession against a stout Bulldogs defense and was held shotless in the first half for the first time this season.
The Wildcats opened the second half with vigor unleashing multiple shots including a Sophia Mattice header from a corner kick that fell into the awaiting arms of Bulldogs goalkeeper Maddy Anderson. The chances were sparse for the remainder of the match as Mississippi State kept up the offensive pressure.
The hosts thought they had extended their lead through Elle McCaslin in the 78th minute only for the goal to be chopped off for offsides after a lengthy video review.
Kentucky will close the 2024 regular season on Sunday, October 27th at 2 p.m. against rival Tennessee (7-4-3, 2-4-2). Fans are encouraged to come pack out the Bell and support the Cats as they look to confirm their spot in the SEC tournament. Free candy, meal vouchers for the first 100 students, and signed posters will be available.
Season tickets for all Kentucky soccer men’s and women’s home games can be purchased here, while single-game tickets are available here.
For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Facebook, Instagram, X and at UKathletics.com.
