Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- The No. 18 Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (9-2-1) downed the Duke Blue Devils (4-5-2) 3-1 on Friday night in Blacksburg. The Hokies posted 3 goals to advance to 2-2-1 in ACC play and 5-1 at home. This win marked the first time Virginia Tech has beaten Duke since 2004 and since 1979 at home.
As the rain poured down in the first half, the beginning of the game started slow with teams going back and forth with possession. During the 20th minute, Marcelo Acuna found the ball inside the penalty box and crossed it to Rory Slevin for his first goal of the season. After that, the Hokies seemed to find an offensive rhythm amidst the bad weather. Right as the first half was ending, Humberto Montero found the back of the net off a rebound in the box.
The second half started out much like the first with the Hokies and Blue Devils battling for possession. Marcelo Acuna got himself a free kick front and center during the 57th minute. Acuna, with an impressive shot, found the back of the net to bring Tech up 3-0. As the weather worsened, the fouls and yellow cards accumulated on both sides. In the last minute of play, the Blue Devils saw their chance and Cameron Moseley capitalized on it.
The Hokies will return to Thompson Field next Tuesday. The Hokies will face Wright State at 6 p.m.
Head Coach Mike Brizendine Quotes
-“I want to thank all the fans that endured rain tonight. Also, our field crew did a fantastic job keeping Thompson Field in great shape even through the pouring rain.”
-“I am ecstatic to get three more points in ACC play. This was a crucial game for us and our guys stepped up to the challenge.”
-“I am disappointed that we gave up a goal in the last minute because I thought our defense played strong all night.”
Notes
-Record at home: 5-1
-Shots at halftime: VT 8-4
-Shots at the end: VT 13-8
-Attendance: 193
-Slevin’s first 2016 goal
-Acuna’s first assist and ninth goal of 2016
-Montero’s first collegiate goal
-Total fouls: 33
-Record when leading at halftime: 5-0