Hokie ClubHARRISONBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team fought the Pacific Tigers in rain-soaked Harrisonburg, falling 1-0 in the first game of the JMU Invitational Friday afternoon.
“The margin for winning and losing is very thin,” said Mike Brizendine. “Give credit to Pacific, they finished their chance and we didn’t.”
The Hokies almost got on the scoresheet early when James Kasak worked his way into the box and took a shot with his left foot. The effort was blocked by a defender and the ball went out for a corner kick.
Ben Lundgaard tallied four saves, and had some important ones particularly in the first half, providing safe hands against the wet conditions.
In the second half, the Hokies were on the front foot from the beginning. Marcelo Acuna, Humberto Montero and Justus Kauppinen each had efforts on goal saved or sail just over the bar.
Acuna struck the post with a strike from the right side of the box that had the keeper rooted to the spot in the 68th minute, while Tech found more possession and opportunities.
In the 83rd minute after a period of play where the Hokies were in the ascendancy, Pacific’s goal came from an opportunity in the box created by Charles Brewah and Diego Villapudua and finished by Wouter Verstraaten. The defender collected the ball and fired home the game-winner into the bottom left corner.
Tech outshot the Tigers 12-7, with Pacific’s Curtis Goldsmith earning the shutout making three saves on the afternoon.
Next up
The Hokies take on the Binghamton Bearcats at noon on Sunday, Sept. 3