DURHAM, N.C. – The North's second-seeded Virginia Tech men's soccer team fell to the South's third-seeded Clemson Tigers 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament Sunday afternoon.
The Hokies (3-2-2) were on the attack in the opening 15 minutes of play as they held the advantage in possession, shots (4-0) and corner kicks (1-0). Tech's had a chance to take an early lead in the 13th minute when senior captain Kristo Strickler found himself with a one-on-one opportunity, but Clemson's keeper forced the Hilliard, Ohio native to take a tough shot, which he unable to convert.
Clemson took the lead in the 16th minute as Kimarni Smith fired a low shot to the far post that just got by the hands of Mathijs Swaneveld. Smith also found the back of the net in the 31st and 34th minutes to give Clemson a 3-0 lead at the half.
James Brighton would give Clemson their final goal of the day in the 56th minute as Smith found him with a sliver of space inside the 6-yard box.
Strickler scored the Hokies only goal in the 71st minute when Jakob Bluemler lofted a perfect pass over the heads of Clemson's back line to Strickler, who as able to finish for his third goal of the season.
Gallery: (11-15-2020) 2020 MEN'S SOCCER ACC FIRST ROUND
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Shots: Virginia Tech 18-8
- Corners: Tied 6-6
- Saves: Clemson 2-0
GAME NOTES
- Tech out shot every opponent this season, doing so for the first time in program history.
- The match marked only the second time this season that Tech allowed more than one goal.
- Kyle Stenzel made the first start of his career.