# @sec on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=sOnLdnS28qE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69384609-sec-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/dbb61c93b8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-17T19:29:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Southeastern Conference (@SEC) — https://gondola.cc/SEC

## Caption

Mississippi State 3, South Alabama 0
MSU Soccer Field, Starkville, MS. August 12, 2026

Kevin O'Brien's tenure as Mississippi State head coach could not have gotten off to a faster start, as the Bulldogs opened the 2026 season with a 3 to 0 win over South Alabama behind a goal just four minutes and 46 seconds into the match.

The opener belonged to freshman Kati Anne Shepherd, a Birmingham native who graduated high school a year early to join the Bulldogs. She caught South Alabama off balance on an early fast break and buried a hard right-footed shot into the net to give Mississippi State the lead before the crowd could even settle in. From there, the Bulldogs took over completely, pressuring South Alabama with 14 shots and seven corner kicks in the first half alone, with Shepherd contributing four of those attempts and sophomore Laila Murillo adding three more chances of her own.

Mississippi State kept the pressure on in the second half and doubled its lead with 11:11 remaining when Hailey Johnson finished off a low, left-footed shot after a cross from Charlotte transfer Reese Black and Oklahoma transfer Ashley Tutas. It capped a frustrating first half for Johnson, who had missed two earlier breakaways on strong goalkeeper saves, but coach O'Brien said he was glad to see her reward her aggressiveness with a goal. Fellow Oklahoma transfer Reganne Morris put the finishing touch on the win in the final minute, scoring on a fast break to make it 3 to 0.

The Bulldogs, who feature 19 transfers and nine freshmen in a heavily reshaped roster, finished with 26 shots, 12 on goal, and 12 corner kick opportunities while holding South Alabama to just four shots and four corners. Mississippi State's defense limited a South Alabama team that returns a Sun Belt Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year to nothing on the day. O'Brien called the win a proud moment to begin his time at Mississippi State, saying it meant even more to get it with a group of players clearly enjoying every moment together. The Bulldogs return to action Sunday at UAB, fittingly in Shepherd's hometown.

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## Stats

- **Views:** 176
- **Likes:** 4
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## Tags

sec, sectourney, secsoccerhighlights, secsocceropeningweekend, secsoccer, mississippistatebulldogs, highlights

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