HARRISONBURG – The Virginia Tech men's soccer team capitalized on their opportunities Friday afternoon as they defeated Air Force 2-1 in the first game of the season.
The Hokies (1-0) had a slow start, but were able to get on the scoresheet early thanks to first year Hokie Marc Hoppler. Hoppler took a perfectly placed cross from James Kasak and pushed it into the back of the net in the ninth minute. Giving the Hokies an early 1-0 lead.
Air Force (0-1) got on the scoresheet in the 26th minute through Austin Dewing. Dewing played an excellent pass from Luis Martinez that saw him uncontested inside the box, placing a low shot into the corner.
After the break, Nico Quashie was able to score in the 47th minute thanks to his speed and determination. Quashie chased down a misplaced ball, getting there the same time as the defender and the keeper. He was able to place a heavy foot on the ball that saw it roll into an empty net.
The Hokies were able to hold off the Falcons for the rest of the half. Thanks in large part to a stout defense and two saves from Tech goalkeeper Mathijs Swaneveld.
Notes
- With this win, the Hokies are 4-1-1 in the last six season openers.
- The Hokies outshot the Falcons 11-9, with Krsito Stickler leading the team with three.
- Hopper, a transfer from Roanoke college, scored his first career goal as a Hokie.
UP Next
The Hokies face the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4