The Virginia Tech men's soccer team got off to its second 3-0 start in three years Friday night, as the Hokies bundled in a goal off of a corner kick in the first half and kept South Florida off of the board securing the first shutout of the 2018 season.
Tech threatened the goal from the early minutes, creating 14 shots on the night. Sivert Haugli had a header in the area early in the match, while Brendan Moyers had an effort blocked and Rory Slevin came close to breaking the deadlock but his effort was parried away by the Bulls' goalkeeper Devenish-Meares who was forced into nine saves on the night.
Kristo Strickler finally found the net in the 24th minutes for the Hokies after a corner kick was swung in and volleyed around the box before finding the sophomore's foot. The Ohio native was able to find an opening amongst the swarm of bodies in the goal mouth and fire the Hokies into the lead, his first tally of the season.
In goal, Mathjis Swaneveld kept the Bulls off the score sheet, recording his first career shutout on a night that he made five saves including a kick save in the final seconds to preserve the victory.
USF had the advantage in shots, targeting the Tech goal 22 times and holding a 7-6 edge in corner kicks, but the Hokies' back line led by Haugli, Will Mejia and Jon Ingason were up to the challenge all night long.
The Hokies had opportunities in the second frame to add an insurance goal, most notably when Strickler turned his man and played Arion Sobers-Assue in on goal. The grad transfer had his shot saved by the keeper, and the ensuing corner did not produce a quality chance for the Hokies.
Sobers-Assue and Nico Quashie each got to the byline and played low crosses back across the box, but were unable to find the foot of a teammate down the stretch.
Tech is back on the pitch on Sunday afternoon to face the UCF Knights, who defeated Liberty 4-1 Friday to advance their record to 2-1. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.