BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men's soccer team collected its second league win of the season (7-4-2, 2-3-1) Friday night as the Hokies scored two quick goals in the second half to pull away from the visiting Pitt Panthers.
Pitt (6-7, 2-4) applied pressure early, a player was taken down in the box by Tec h keeper Mathijs Swaneveld in the first minute resulting in a penalty kick opportunity. Javi Perez stepped up and converted from the spot, sending Swaneveld the wrong way for his third tally of the season and putting Pitt ahead 1-0.
The Hokies responded in short order, as James Kasak beat his man and sent in a dangerous cross in the box that was inadvertently turned into the net by a Pitt defender, tying the match in the second minute.
The game remained tied heading into the halftime interval.
In the second period, Tech turned up the intensity working the ball into the box on the foot of Kristo Strickler who was fouled resulting in penalty opportunity. Tech's skipper, Jon Ingason stepped up and converted, his third goal in as many opportunities from the spot on the season.
Minutes later Strickler was again at the center of the action as he cushioned a pass to midfielder David Sanz who took a touch a slammed his finish into the bottom corner. For Sanz, it was his second goal of the season, giving the Hokies an insurance goal.
Check out this goal by David Sanz which gave us a two-goal cushion in the 50th minute 👀pic.twitter.com/xw5CBAbdIY
— Virginia Tech Men's Soccer (@HokiesMSoccer) October 13, 2018
The win takes the Hokies up top six points in the ACC standings, jumping ahead of Pitt and keeping the squad in contention to host an opening round match of the ACC Championships.
(10/12/2018) 2018 MEN'S SOCCER vs. PITT
OF NOTE
- Tech scored three goals for the first time since the 5-1 victory over Longwood on Sept. 18
- The Hokies remained undefeated against Pitt, owning a 5-0-4 record against the Panthers all-time
- Brendan Moyers and Nikal Clarke-Smith each returned the field for Tech following long absences due to injury
Next up: The Hokies will continue their home stand on Tuesday, Oct. 16 when they take on the William & Mary Tribe. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network Extra.