Hokie ClubColumbus, Ohio- The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (2-0-0) opened the 2016 season in Columbus at the Wolstein Classic against Oakland University (0-2-0) and the Ohio State University (0-1-0). The Hokies defeated the Golden Grizzlies Sunday afternoon 3-0 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Oakland’s early pressure was quickly shut down by Will Mejia’s defense and sent into Oakland territory for most of the first half. The Hokies found the back of the goal first when Marcelo Acunascored off an assist from Andre Thomas in the fourteenth minute. Acuna’s second goal on the weekend. In the twenty-ninth minute, Oakland’s Austin Ricci took a penalty kick off a foul from Thomas. Goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard easily saved it, securing the 1-0 lead. A collision on the field resulted in a red card on the Golden Grizzlies’ Hamid Barry.
The second half was opened to an attack of shots from the Hokies. During the sixty-third minute, Thomas grabbed a deflected shot and sent in into the back left of the net to bring Tech a 2-0 lead. Tech awarded a penalty kick after Oakland’s Alex Ofeimu fouls Kasak. Elias Tamburini takes the kick and gets himself his first goal as a Hokie.
Tech will end the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic 2-0 after defeating host Ohio State on Friday night. Marcelo Acuna secured the first win of the season with a header in double overtime against the Buckeyes.
The Hokies play again Sept. 2 as they host South Florida at Thompson Field. The home opener is set for 7 p.m.
Head Coach Mike Brizendine Quotes...
"First, I would like to commend Eric Pogue and the Oakland team for the fight they showed today. The Grizzlies were an extremely hardworking and well coached group. With that being said, I'm proud of our team and what they were able to put together this weekend. We battled and fought and were able to get great results against quality teams. We showed our commitment to hard work and fighting through the elements this weekend. Walking away with two shutouts is a great way to start the season.
NOTES
-Last time Tech opened the season 2-0 was in 2012.
-Acuna’s birthday, scores one goal.
-There were two mandatory water breaks due to the heat.
-All-Tournament Team will be announced after the conclusion of the Ohio State/USCB game.
-Humberto Montero, Daniel Damiani and Burke Bender make collegiate debut.
-Kasak gets first collegiate point on assist to Thomas.
-Lundgaard gets eleventh career shutout and second shutout of the weekend.