Hokie ClubCOLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Virginia Tech Hokies held a 1-0 lead through 87 minutes of play, but the No. 11 Maryland Terrapins staged a late comeback, scoring two goals in the final three minutes of play, to capture a 2-1 victory in a conference battle on Friday night at Ludwig Field. Clarke Bentley scored the Hokie goal.
The Hokies (3-6-2, 2-2-0), who led for the majority of play, earned three corner kicks within the first nine minutes of the game to set an early tone. It was the third corner that proved to be the magic play, setting up Bentley’s third goal of the season, off an assist from Charlie Campbell. Bentley’s touch at the 8:46 mark, from within the 10-foot range, gave the Hokies an early 1-0 lead which they would take with them late into the second half.
Maryland (7-3-1, 3-1-1) then tried to play catch-up with two quick shots and a corner kick of their own in the 11th minute, but Ethan White’s header sailed just high of the net. They finished the first period with seven shots, including one in the final seconds that was blocked by Tech’s defense.
The Hokies, who lead the ACC in corner kicks, collected eight corners in the first half, compared to Maryland’s three, and finished the period with four shots.
The ‘Terps built upon the offense they generated late in the first stanza, earning the first two shots in the second period. A Maryland corner kick in the 62nd minute gave Tech a scare, leading to consecutive shots for the ‘Terps, but both attempts came up empty. The Terrapins controlled the ball throughout the second half, as the Hokies were only able to gather one shot while facing a strong wind.
After 16 shots and no score for the No. 11 Terrapins through 86 minutes, and a game that looked to be a sure win for the Hokies, the Maryland offense came alive with only minutes to spare to hand Tech a heartbreaking loss.
With the wind behind them, Maryland finally broke the shutout with a corner kick in the 87th minute, which led to a scramble in the box. Kevin Tangney recovered the loose ball and then notched his third score of the season to tie the game. Only one minute later, John Stertzer’s short-range strike found the corner and gave the Terrapins a 2-1 lead and the eventual win. Stertzer’s game-winning goal was his second of the season.
“The guys played well and put forth a strong effort tonight,” said Tech’s head coach Mike Brizendine. “I give Maryland a lot of credit. They scored a great first goal and with the intense wind, we were unable to relieve the pressure after that.”
Stefan Caulfield earned his first start of the season in goal, while Brendan Dunn saw his first action on the field. Caulfield collected six saves in the game.
The Hokies will return to Thompson Field for a non-conference battle on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to host the nation’s top-ranked, undefeated Akron Zips for the first time in program history. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Results will be available at www.hokiesports.com.