Hokie ClubWASHINGTON, D.C. – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team lost a non-conference match to American University, 1-0, today at Reeves Field as the Eagles’ Alassane Kane scored the game’s lone goal in the 31st minute.
American (3-6-1) came out early in the match and recorded the first three shots of the contest with Tyler Collins putting a header on goal in the second minute that was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Renfro. Junior midfielder Robert Alberti had Tech’s first shot of the match in the 28th minute, but the Eagles would score two and a half minutes later at 30:27 when Kane’s deflected shot found the back of the net. Colin Seigfried was credited with the assist. Seigfried also hit the post in the 37th minute as American outshot Tech, 10-6, in the first period.
Tech (3-6-0) dominated the shot count in the second period, 11-2, and outcornered American, 3-0, in the final 45 minutes, but could not find the equalizer. Redshirt-junior defender Jeremy Williams forced a save out of American goalkeeper Billy Knutsen in the 48th minute, while freshman midfielder Kevin Reitzel saw his header hit the post in the 59th minute.
Redshirt-freshman forward Ethan Ashong also produced a header on frame for Tech in the 64th minute. Despite outshooting American, 4-1, over the final 15 minutes of the match, the Eagles were able to hold off the Hokies and earn the result.
Renfro played all 90 minutes between the pipes for Tech and notched three saves. Freshman forward Will Witherspoon led the Hokies in shots with three, while five other Hokies recorded two shots individually.
For the game, Tech outshot American, 17-12, while corners were even at four each.
The Hokies return to action on Saturday, Oct. 1, as they travel to Winston-Salem, N.C. to play Wake Forest in a key ACC match at Spry Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.