Knoxville, TN, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee soccer team opened their season with a tough match against Mississippi State, which resulted in a 4-2 loss. Tennessee showed a resilient performance, with Anaiyah Robinson scoring two goals, but ultimately fell short as Mississippi State secured the victory with key contributions from Ally Perry. As both teams continue their conference seasons, Tennessee aims to bounce back in upcoming matches.
Knoxville, TN – The University of Tennessee soccer team kicked off their 2025 season by taking on Mississippi State on September 12, 2025, in a highly competitive match that showcased the talents of both teams. In the end, Tennessee fell short, allowing Mississippi State to secure a 4-2 victory.
Tennessee entered the match with a record of six wins, one loss, and one draw for the season (6-1-1), but struggled in their conference play, holding a record of 0 wins and 1 loss (0-1-0). In contrast, Mississippi State boasted a strong record of six wins and one loss (6-1-0) and began the match ahead in conference play with one win and no losses (1-0-0).
Game Highlights
The scoring opened in the first half when Mississippi State’s Zoe Main found the back of the net just 10 minutes into the game, thanks to assists from Adia Symmonds and Ally Perry. This early goal set the tone for a fast-paced match filled with opportunities for both teams.
After trailing at halftime, the Volunteers rebounded in the second half. Anaiyah Robinson scored two consecutive goals within a short span, the first coming at 52:48 with an assist from Jenna Stayart, and the second at 54:42, where she was assisted by Keaton Mitchell and Luciana Latino. These two goals gave Tennessee a short-lived lead, but they proved to be pivotal in the match.
However, Mississippi State did not back down and responded robustly, equalizing the score at 73:43 with another goal from Ally Perry. As the match wore on, tension mounted on the field. In the dying minutes of the game, with just over a minute remaining, Perry netted her second goal at 88:56. This time she was assisted by Adia Symmonds, sealing the fate of the Volunteers. The final whistle blew shortly after, declaring Mississippi State the victor.
Statistics Overview
| Team | Overall Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee | 6-1-1 | 0-1-0 |
| Mississippi State | 6-1-0 | 1-0-0 |
Background Context
This match marked an important start for both schools as they embarked on their conference seasons. The rivalry between Tennessee and Mississippi State has historically generated intense competition on the pitch. With both teams proving their capability in the early parts of the season, observers expected this matchup to yield exciting soccer, and it certainly lived up to those expectations.
As both teams process this game, Tennessee will look to regroup and focus on the challenges ahead in their upcoming matches, while Mississippi State hopes to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strong start to the season.
FAQs
What was the final score of the match between Tennessee and Mississippi State?
The final score was Mississippi State 4, University of Tennessee 2.
When did the match take place?
The match took place on September 12, 2025.
Who were the key players in the match?
Key players included Anaiyah Robinson from Tennessee, who scored two goals, and Ally Perry from Mississippi State, who scored two goals as well, including the final goal of the match.
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Additional Resources
- University of Tennessee Sports: Tennessee Drops Road Match at Mississippi State
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers
- Mississippi State Athletics: Bulldogs Knock Off No. 1 Tennessee
- Google Search: Tennessee soccer
- Knox News: Tennessee Soccer First No. 1 Ranking in History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
