Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head coach Mike Brizendine announced the program's captains for the 2019 season Thursday afternoon, Jon Ingason, Kristo Strickler and Sivert Haugli.
"I am ecstatic for these young men," Brizendine said. "Their leadership skills are evident both on and off the field and I have confidence that they will be great ambassadors for Virginia Tech men's soccer. We are very much looking forward to the 2019 season with this group led by Kristo, Sivert and Jon."
Ingason was the team's sole captain a season ago where he scored four goals, including three game winners from his position at center back. All four of his goals came from set pieces.
Strickler, who enters his junior season in the fall completed a fantastic 2018 campaign that saw him score 10 goals and 24 points as he earned All-ACC and All-State honors. He scored four game winners, including in the comeback at No. 16 Notre Dame in the middle of a crucial four-game unbeaten run and his rebounded effort sent the Hokies past Charlotte in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Another accolade for our guy @KristoStrickler🙌
— Virginia Tech Men's Soccer (@HokiesMSoccer) December 18, 2018
He was named to VaSID's 1st team this afternoon pic.twitter.com/GIhWxS6Rox
THE TALISMAN 🙌@KristoStrickler earns second team All-ACC honors after a season where he scored 9 goals and added 4 assists pic.twitter.com/cGQcG8FeJE
— Virginia Tech Men's Soccer (@HokiesMSoccer) November 7, 2018
Strickler recently spent time overseas in Bangkok, Thailand training and competing for a spot on the Philippines national team.
Haugli, from Oslo, Norway started 20 matches for the Hokies mostly playing a defensive center midfield role. He also filled in on the back line on occasion.
The 6-foot-5 Haugli provided one assist in the Hokies' rout of William & Mary.
Tenacious and rangy, Haugli is known for winning 50-50 balls, putting out fires in the midfield and linking play between the Hokies' back line and advancing it up the pitch.
In 2018, the Hokies finished with a fine 11-7-3 record, appearing in the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen for the second time in three seasons. Tech earned a national seed in the tournament for just the second time in program history, earning a bye in the first round.
Tech is preparing to compete for a championship on Saturday, April 13 when they head to Spry Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to face North Carolina in the Spring College Program final sponsored by U.S. Soccer.
The Hokies topped the North Division, consisting of Virginia, Georgetown and Pittsburgh.
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. with tickets available at thislink. Walk up tickets are also available.