Hokie ClubCharlottesville, Va. - After leading for 76 minutes, the Hokies fell victim to a late rally by Virginia, extending into overtime, where the Cavaliers eventually defeated Tech, 2-1. Virginia Tech is now 4-8-1 on the season, 1-3-1 in ACC play.
Mikey Minutillo, who scored two goals against Alabama A&M Monday, provided the early lead for the Hokies, sinking a header in the 22nd minute to give Tech the 1-0 edge. Evan Slusser’s initial shot was stopped by Virginia’s keeper, but Minutillo made the heads-up play to knock the rebounded shot into the net, just past the left side of the keeper. This is Minutillo’s fifth goal of the season, where he now leads the team, and Slusser’s first career assist.
At the half, Tech held its first halftime lead over a ranked opponent this season. The first half stats were relatively even, with Virginia outshooting Virginia Tech 9-6, and Tech with the only corner kick of the half.
The Hokies maintained the lead all the way to the 76th minute, where the Cavaliers’ Brian Ownby netted a header of his own to even the match at 1-1. Ownby was waiting under a long midfield volley from Sean Hiller, which Ownby pushed into the upper left corner of the net.
Neither team could push the score in their favor following the goal, so regulation ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing overtime. In the second half, Virginia certainly ratcheted up the pressure, taking 11 shots to Tech’s five. The Hokies’ keeper James Daly, minimized the damage to only one goal allowed versus four saves in the second half, seven saves total in the first 90 minutes.
Overtime only lasted less than two minutes however, with Virginia’s Greg Monaco earning his first goal of the season in a critical moment. Monaco knocked in a header from 12-yards out in the 91st minute to seal the 2-1 victory for the Cavaliers. This is only Tech’s second overtime game this season, and they are now 0-1-1 in extra time this season.
The Hokies will look to rebound at home Tuesday, as they welcome Central Florida to Thompson Field. The match is set for a 4 p.m. start.