Georgia’s Cate Hardin chases after the ball at Turner Soccer Complex in Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The University of Georgia women’s soccer team lost to the University of South Carolina 1-2. (Photo/Callie Clark; @cm_photography_co)
Georgia soccer fell to No. 4 Mississippi State 2-1 on Thursday evening at the Turner Soccer Complex. A goal scored by State’s Ilana Izquierdo in the 86th minute secured the win for the visiting team.
Mississippi State tied the match up in the 53rd minute after Georgia gave up a penalty kick. Video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed the call on the field, changing the feel and atmosphere of the match.
Georgia kicked off the evening with a goal from graduate transfer Margie Detrizio in the second minute to take an early lead. After the goal, the momentum started to shift, and the Bulldogs had to fight to maintain their lead going into the half.
“I think it’s just execution. I mean, we knew what we were supposed to do, and individually we made mistakes. But also, collectively as a team, they beat us energy-wise and just drive and grit,” said graduate student Tori Penn. “We need to come out and at the end of the day, winning games is about who performs on the day. It doesn’t matter talent-wise who is predicted to win. We just didn’t rise to the level we should have.”
Heading into the match, Mississippi State and Georgia both had momentum on their sides. Mississippi State was holding on to a seven-match winning streak, dating back to Aug. 23 against No. 3 Wake Forest on the road, while Georgia had a four-straight unbeaten streak.
Georgia led the matchups between the two sides at 4-8-6. The last time the two teams faced off was in 2022 in Starkville, which ended in a draw. Mississippi State is the highest ranked team to play at the Turner Soccer Complex since No. 5 Alabama won in 2022.
