Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- The No. 23 Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (10-4-3) edge the University of Pittsburgh (2-12-3) 2-1 on Friday night for the regular season finale. Two Hokies tallied goals to lead Tech to their tenth win of the season. Virginia Tech advanced to 3-4-1 in the ACC.
The first half started slow as both teams tried to get into an offensive rhythm. The Hokies saw a great chance during the 20th minute as the goalie misread and dove for a save, leaving the net open. Humberto Montero got the Hokies on the board in the 30th minute as the ball was serviced into a crowd of both teams’ players in the box. Tech saw that offensive rhythm come together seeing close chances as the first half came to a close.
The Hokies continued their offensive rhythm into the second half adding nine shots in the first 25 minutes. Tech had trouble finishing their chances until Gino Rossi got the ball in the 73rd minute. Rossi dribbled the ball toward Pitt’s zone and sent a rocket from 23 yards out for the second Hokie goal of the night. Pittsburgh got their chance after drawing a penalty kick during the 86th minute. Matt Venanzi was able to get the Panthers on the board with the score.
The Hokies will look towards the First Round of the ACC Tournament next Wednesday, Nov. 2. After the conference games conclude tomorrow night, Tech will know the location and opponent of their First Round matchup.
Head Coach Mike Brizendine Quotes
-“I thought tonight was a great way to end the regular season against a good Pittsburgh team. You can look at their record and think that they aren’t the best team but that is a very competitive team coached by one of the best coaches in the country. That game was no easy feat. They made it very difficult for us in the last couple of minutes after scoring that goal.”
-“I am disappointed that we gave up that goal. I think the team worked hard to get a shutout but you can’t give up messy fouls in the end.”
-“We are excited to see who we will face in the First Round of the ACC Tournament. We will take a few days here and rest. We will start putting together a game plan after we find out our opponent tomorrow night.”
Notes
-Record at home: 6-1-2
-Halftime shots: VT 7-1
-Final shots: VT 20-5
-VT celebrated their six seniors pregame
-Montero’s goal broke a 17-day goal drought
-19th 10-win season
-Pitt is 0-6-2 in the ACC