Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer program has announced its three captains for the 2017 season. Ben Lundgaard, Collin Verfurth and Marcelo Acuna have been chosen by head coach Mike Brizendine to wear the captain’s armbands during the upcoming season. Lundgaard and Verfurth each have 50-plus caps for the Hokies, while Acuna’s prowess in front of goal has earned him a place on the MAC Hermann Award Watch List, given annually to the nation’s best player.
“I am pleased to announce Ben, Collin, and Marcelo as our three captains,” said Mike Brizendine. “They embody all the characteristics that we want in both a person and player. I know that their leadership will lead us to success both on and off the field.”
Lundgaard, a senior from Greenville, Delaware started all 22 contests for the Hokies in 2016, posting career-bests in saves (87), save percentage (.806), goals against average (.993), shutouts (8) and wins (13). His 17 career shutouts are good for second best in program history. In 50 career starts he has compiled a 23-17-9 record.
The 6-foot-5 keeper spent the summer training with the New York Red Bulls PDL team, where he played 14 matches, helping the squad to a playoff appearance. At the conclusion, he was named the 2017 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year.
Verfurth, a senior from Ashburn, Virginia started 21 games in 2016, providing cover for the back line and putting out fires in the middle of the park, as well as venturing forward. He scored a career-best five points in 2016, with two goals and one assist. Both goals were of the game-winning variety; against No. 24 Georgetown and again against Delaware. In 53 career matches, he has 49 starts.
Acuna only joined the Hokies last year, but the senior from Costa Rica made an immediate impact on the pitch. He scored 25 points on the strength of 11 goals and three assists during the 2016 campaign, leading Tech all the way to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Five times Acuna netted the game winner. The forward earned Second Team All-ACC recognition in 2016, as well as NSCAA All-America Third Team honors.
Tech will get a chance to test their mettle in their second exhibition match against fifth-ranked Clemson at Thompson Field on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.
In the first exhibition of the season, Tech defeated ETSU 1-0. Acuna scored the lone goal, assisted by Verfurth. Lundgaard made eight saves in goal to keep the clean sheet against the Bucs.
The 2017 season officially kicks off Aug. 25, when the Hokies travel to Omaha, Nebraska to take on the No. 14 Creighton Bluejays.
Tech’s first home match at Thompson Field will be on Friday, Sep. 15 against the Virginia Cavaliers.