No. 10 Demon Deacons Fall On the Road

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Despite a hard-fought battle, the No. 10 ranked Wake Forest women's soccer team (3-1-0, 0-0-0, ACC) fell on the road to Mississippi State (2-0-0, 0-0-0 SEC), 2-1, Sunday evening at MSU Soccer Field.

Mississippi State opened the contest heavily on the front foot, as the Dawgs scored first with a 30th-minute strike. The Deacs, however, responded with a goal in the 41st minute as freshman Allie Flanagan took advantage of an open net for the first goal of her collegiate career.

Although Wake Forest opened the second half in search of the go-ahead goal, it was Mississippi State who would score the game-winner in the 71st minute.

Redshirt sophomore Valentina Amaral recorded a season-high four saves on the night.

The Demon Deacons will return to Winston-Salem for a Thursday night showdown against USF in non-conference action. Since the 2020-21 season, Wake Forest is 17-0-2 at home against non-conference opponents in regular-season action. In those 19 games, the Deacs have outscored opponents 52-2.

How It Happened

The Bulldogs battled the Deacons early and registered the first shot of the contest at the sixth minute, but sent it wide of the net.
- They maintained heavy possession during the early stages of the match, however defenders Dempsey Brown and Laine DeNatale both made crucial defensive plays to clear the ball from the box.
Mississippi State continued to pressure the Deacs with the first shot on goal of the game at the 21st minute, but redshirt sophomore Valentina Amaral covered the ball swiftly.
- In the 25th minute, Amaral made another diving save to keep the Bulldogs off the board.
The Dawgs took the 1-0 lead during the 30th minute; however, the Demon Deacons would find the answer before the half.
- Freshman Allie Flanagan notched her first collegiate goal in the 41st minute with a wide-open net.
The Deacs entered the half tied 1-1.
Wake Forest began the second half with back-to-back corners as they looked to take over the lead.
Brown made a key defensive block to prevent the Bulldogs' attack from attempting a shot in the ensuing minutes.
Freshman Elliana Ramirez tested the State keeper in the 53rd minute to keep the pressure on the Dawgs.
Amaral once again held the contest even with an impressive diving save in the 68th minute.
Mississippi State took the lead off a free kick in the 71st minute.
Wake Forest ultimately fell on the road, 2-1.

Demon Deacon Details of Note

Freshman Allie Flanagan recorded her first career goal.
Sophomore Lola Ressler made her fifth career appearance.
Senior Hannah Johnson made her first appearance this season.
Redshirt sophomore Valentina Amaral faced a career-high 15 shots, notching four saves.
This was Wake Forest's first match at MSU Soccer Field.

From Coach da Luz
"We had a poor start to the game, but our kids executed the in-game adjustments and we turned the game before halftime. Mississippi State is a good team and they gave us problems. This experience helps us in our development as a team. Valentina Amaral was excellent in goal, and both Allie Flanagan and Hannah Johnson returned from injury and played well. We are improving each game and I'm proud of our performance."

Up Next
Wake Forest will return to Winston-Salem for a Thursday evening non-conference contest against USF. The match will be streamed on ACCNX with kickoff at 8 p.m.

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Team Stats

Allie Flanagan

Addison Roberts

Elliana Ramirez

Sierra Sythe

Players Mentioned

Valentina Amaral

Dempsey Brown

Laine DeNatale

Allie Flanagan

Hannah Johnson

Elliana Ramirez

Lola Ressler

Wake Forest Athletics