Hokies down South Florida 4-1 in home opener

BLACKSBURG- The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (3-0-0) defeated the University of South Florida (0-1-2) 4-1 on Thompson Field Friday night. The Hokie offense sparked the team to four goals, seven shots on goal and overall 17 shots on the night.

The Bulls took the first shot of the game resulting in an early goal from Luis Garza during the third minute. South Florida continued to apply pressure on the Hokies. Sophomore Marcelo Acuna made the first Tech goal off a cross from Elias Tamburini in the 25th minute. Tamburini sent it to across the ball to find Acuna’s head for his third goal of the season. Tech took the offensive momentum, taking seven shots in the ten minutes after the goal. Acuna struck again during the 35th minute, sending the ball past USF’s Stefanovic.

The Hokies came out strong and never let up in the second half. During the 53rd minute, a corner kick from Rory Slevin found its way to Will Mejia’s head for his first goal of the 2016 season. Tech added eight shots during the last forty-five for a total of 17 shots on the night. The Bulls lacked offensive spark, ending the match with two shots. Tech scored their fourth and final goal of the night off a shot from freshman Burke Bender in the 75th minute.

The Hokies head to Georgetown next for a holiday match in Washington, D.C. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Monday.

Head Coach Mike Brizendine Quotes

-“I am very pleased with the effort tonight. For them to be able to come out against a very good, well-coached South Florida team and preform the way they did is incredible.”

-“To be able to get four goals, seventeen shots and zero yellow cards speaks volumes to their determination and discipline.”

-“We knew opening the home season against a team who advanced to the Sweet 16 last year would be tough. Our guys stood up to the challenge and I am very happy with the way they are beginning this season.”

Notes

- Acuna scores two goals, making it four on the season

-USF received 2 yellow cards

-Will Mejia gets his first goal of 2016

-Burke Bender scores his first collegiate goal in the 75th minute

-Hokies led the Bulls 17-2 in shots

-Tech took 7 shots on goal

-Attendance: 879