In a hard-fought match against No. 6 Clemson, No. 22 ranked Virginia Tech held the best offensive team in the country scoreless in an 0-0 draw Saturday night.
Clemson (9-1-1, 2-1-1) was on the front foot to start the match as they saw several early opportunities, but strong play from Tech's backend and midfield was able keep the Tigers' potent offense in check.
The Hokies (6-2-2, 0-1-2) were also aggressive in the first half with their best chances of scoring coming by James Kasak and Kristo Strickler, but key saves by Clemson's keeper George Marks saw the duo unable to find the back of the net.
In the second half, the Hokies and the Tigers went back-and-forth trading shots and playing stingy defense. Both teams had opportunities in the final five minutes to put points on the board courtesy of Nico Quashie and Clemson's Phillip Mayak, but neither were able to finish.
Mathijs Swaneveld came up huge in the second half as three of his four of his saves came in the period.
The tough defense played throughout the night continued into both overtime periods as neither team could get much going.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Shots: Clemson 19-11
- Corners: Clemson 14-7
- Saves: Virginia Tech 4-2
GAME NOTES
- Swaneveld's shutout was the third of the season and the eighth of his career
- Nathan Durst made the first start of his career
- Tonight marked the first time all season that the Hokies were held scoreless
- Quashie made his second consecutive start after returning from injury
- The Hokies trotted out a different starting eleven for the third consecutive game
UP NEXT
The Hokies hit the road once again as they face Pitt Friday, October 11 for a 7 p.m. kickoff at the Petersen Sports Complex.Gallery: (10/5/2019) 2019 MEN'S SOCCER AT CLEMSON