STARKVILLE – Mississippi State’s Rylie Combs has signed a professional contract with Eskilstuna United in Sweden’s second division, Elitettan. Combs closed her career as the 2024 SEC Defender of the Year.
In addition, Combs’ resume includes United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American honors and First Team All-SEC honors in her senior year. She was tabbed the No. 39 player in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer following her final campaign.
“Riley came to us four years ago, and we knew how special she could be,” Bulldog head coach Nick Zimmerman said. “She trusted us in developing her both on and off the field, and to see her have this opportunity really hits home. She is a massive reason why this program is where it is now. She has touched so many lives and has left the jersey in a better place. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to all her continued success.”
Combs anchored a back line in 2024 that was one of the stingiest defensive units in the nation. Mississippi State was tied for the national lead with just 10 goals allowed and 16 shutouts, and its team goals against average of 0.45 was second only to UCLA. The O’Fallon, Missouri, native helped State hold opponents to just 165 total shots ( 7.5 shots per game). Furthermore, MSU’s opponents averaged just 3.0 shots on target per match.
In 77 career matches, Combs totaled 5,975 minutes in the Maroon and White. She scored three times, including two game-winners, and picked up a pair of assists. Two of her goals came in NCAA Tournament matches.
“We have been looking for a centerback who is tough and defensively very strong, good in the physical game and who is fast,” Eskilstuna Untied manager Rickard Johansson said. “Rylie possesses these qualities. She is a really tough player and one that hurts to face. It will be exciting to follow her journey from college to Swedish football.”
Combs is the second member of Mississippi State’s 2024 SEC Championship squad to sign a professional contract. Macey Hodge signed with Angel City FC in the NWSL in December.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching “HailStateSOC.”
In addition, Combs’ resume includes United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American honors and First Team All-SEC honors in her senior year. She was tabbed the No. 39 player in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer following her final campaign.
“Riley came to us four years ago, and we knew how special she could be,” Bulldog head coach Nick Zimmerman said. “She trusted us in developing her both on and off the field, and to see her have this opportunity really hits home. She is a massive reason why this program is where it is now. She has touched so many lives and has left the jersey in a better place. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to all her continued success.”
Combs anchored a back line in 2024 that was one of the stingiest defensive units in the nation. Mississippi State was tied for the national lead with just 10 goals allowed and 16 shutouts, and its team goals against average of 0.45 was second only to UCLA. The O’Fallon, Missouri, native helped State hold opponents to just 165 total shots ( 7.5 shots per game). Furthermore, MSU’s opponents averaged just 3.0 shots on target per match.
In 77 career matches, Combs totaled 5,975 minutes in the Maroon and White. She scored three times, including two game-winners, and picked up a pair of assists. Two of her goals came in NCAA Tournament matches.
“We have been looking for a centerback who is tough and defensively very strong, good in the physical game and who is fast,” Eskilstuna Untied manager Rickard Johansson said. “Rylie possesses these qualities. She is a really tough player and one that hurts to face. It will be exciting to follow her journey from college to Swedish football.”
Combs is the second member of Mississippi State’s 2024 SEC Championship squad to sign a professional contract. Macey Hodge signed with Angel City FC in the NWSL in December.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching “HailStateSOC.”