Hokie ClubThe Virginia Tech men's soccer team earned a draw in rainy Orlando Sunday afternoon, playing an overtime game against the UCF Knights in the second game of the weekend.
Tech started brightly, using James Kasak's pace to good affect, as the junior whipped in some dangerous crosses, but Tech could steer any chances on frame. In the 24th minute David Sanz took a touch in the box and earned a penalty kick, which the junior took himself. After his initial kick was saved, the Spain native placed the rebound into the back of the net, scoring his first goal as a Hokie. Two minutes later the Knights failed to properly clear a ball which was deflected off of Kristo Strickler who was able to take a touch and slam the ball into the far post to double the Hokies' advantage.
Tech took a two goal advantage into the half, but the UCF came out of the locker room inspired, earning a corner kick in the opening seconds of the second frame and applying continuous pressure.
In the 63rd minute, the Knights got on the board after Cal Jennings' shot was saved but the rebound was tucked away by Walker Dawkins. Just a minute later, the match was levelled as Jonathan Dean rocketed a shot from 18 yards into the top of the net to complete the comeback.
Late in the match, the Hokies almost carved out a winner after Strickler got his toe to a ball that was headed across the box by Brendan Moyers, but the effort went wide of the post.
In goal, Mathijs Swaneveld had a busy afternoon, facing a total of 23 UCF shots, coming up with a new career best 10 saves.
The match was ended after the first overtime period due to lightning and sever weather in the area.