CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Kristo Strickler's 52nd-minute goal is all that separated Virginia Tech and No. 15 North Carolina in the Hokies 1-0 victory on Friday night.
Going out with their full-strength side for the first time this spring, the Hokies (5-6-2, 1-4 ACC) were able to secure a win that gives life to their goal of a fifth consecutive NCAA postseason berth.
A ball into the box in the opening minutes of the second half caused chaos for the North Carolina (6-4-3, 3-1-1) back line. Nathan Durst, who was already up for a corner, was able to get a foot on the ball and send it across goal. Strickler scampered in at the back post to slot home the eventual game-winning goal.
Strickler's goal is the fourth of the season for the future MLS player and the 28th of his career, tying Fred Silva for eight all-time in program history.
From that point on, Tech did what it had done all night – stay composed at the back and stifle the Tar Heel's attack.
North Carolina put 10 shots on target throughout the evening, but Matt Zambetti's career night in between the sticks was able to keep the 15th-ranked home side off the scoresheet.
The three central defenders at the back, Durst, Welnilton da Silva Jr., and Zane Bubb, along with wingbacks Jakob Bluemler and Kyle McDowell proved to be steady throughout the night and helped the Hokies see out the game.
The Hokies will return to action in South Bend, Ind. on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. to face Notre Dame (8-7, 1-3).