Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team fell to Wisconsin, 1-0 in overtime, tonight on day one of the Hilton Garden Hokie Invitational at Thompson Field. The Badgers’ Josh Thiermann scored the game-winner in sudden death overtime in the 97th minute.
“I’m very pleased with the effort that we saw and the work that the boys put in tonight,” said Tech third-year head coach Mike Brizendine. “It was a game where we had 12 corner kicks and 20 shots and we have nothing to show for it. That’s always disappointing and its tough be in that situation.”
The start of the game was delayed by nearly two hours due to two lightning delays in the first match of the day between Cincinnati and Virginia. In the 20th minute, redshirt senior defender and captain James Shupp came forward down the right side and put in a low cross which found freshman Mike Wilkie who fired a shot just wide of the near post. In the first period, Tech held a 9-7 advantage in shots and recorded six corners to just two for Wisconsin.
Junior midfielder Robert Alberti played well on the flank the entire night, serving in crosses and creating chances. He led Tech in shots for the game with five. Alberti nearly caught Wisconsin keeper Ciro Martinez off his line in the 64th minute when his shot hit from the left side hit the crossbar. Tech also outshot the Badgers, 11-6, in the second half, and had a 20-16 advantage on the game. However, neither team found the back of the net in regulation and the game was forced into a golden goal overtime period.
In the first extra session, Wisconsin’s Thiermann found space down the left side and dribbled into the Tech box where his shot from 10 yards found the back of the net.
“We have another game in 36 hours and we are going to go over some things and try to pick up our first win of the season against Cincinnati on Sunday,” concluded Brizendine.
Tech sophomore Kyle Renfro played all 96:44 in goal and made seven saves. Wisconsin improved to 2-0-0, while the Hokies fell to 0-2-0.
The Hokies wrap up the tournament against Cincinnati at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Earlier action: Virginia 1, Cincinnati 0
The Cavaliers (2-1-0) scored the game-winner in the 60th minute as Will Bates connected on a volley off a cross from Brian Span. Virginia outshot Cincinnati (1-1-0), 13-5, and outcornered the Bearcats, 6-2. The game was called in the 85th minute due to lightning. The Cavaliers will meet Wisconsin in the tournament championship game on Sunday at 12 noon.