BLACKSBURG – Following a 2-2 draw against Boston College on Friday, the No. 22 Virginia Tech men's soccer team dominated Gardner-Webb 4-0 in their return to Thompson Field.
Kristo Strickler got the ball rolling for the Hokies in the 8th minute as a header, courtesy of a perfect cross from Jon Ingason, was able to elude the outstretched arms of the Bulldogs keeper Daniel Husa. Five minutes later the Hilliard, Ohio native put another header into the back of the net off of a James Kasak cross from just outside the box.
In the 27th minute Strickler earned the first hat trick of his career as he took a pass from Jakob Bluemler and beat the keeper to the far post.
In the second half, the Hokies continued to stay on the attack and were rewarded in the 53rd minute as freshman Nick Blacklock found Marc Hoopler for his third goal of the season
With the win, Tech moves to 6-3-1 (0-2-1) as Gardner-Webb falls to 4-4-1.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Shots: Virginia Tech 19-5
- Corners: Virginia Tech 5-4
- Saves: Gardner-Webb 6-1
GAME NOTES
- Strickler recorded the first hat trick of his career and became the first Tech player to do so since Marcelo Acuna in 2016
- Tech was once again the first to find the back of the net and are now 5-2-1 when doing so.
- Blacklock now sits with a team high five assists on the season
- Nico Quashie made his return to the starting lineup after missing the previous six matches
- Hoppler has now scored in consecutive games for the Hokies
- Tech recorded their second clean sheet of the season
UP NEXT
The Hokies hit the road as they face No. 6 Clemson Saturday, October 5 for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Riggs Field.Gallery: (10/1/2019) 2019 MEN'S SOCCER vs. GARDNER-WEBB