CINCINNATI – Despite equalizing once off Emily Gray's penalty kick goal on Sunday afternoon, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team was unable to overcome Karli Royer's match-winner during the 44th minute as the Hokies lost to Cincinnati, 2-1, at Gettler Stadium.
Gray was successful in converting Tech's first penalty kick opportunity of the 2021 season, finding the back of the net during the 31st minute to bring the Hokies level at 1-1.
After lightning had interrupted the match awkwardly with four minutes remaining in the first half, the Bearcats managed to squeeze in the go-ahead goal before the intermission. Winning a free kick inside two minutes to go, Karli Royer proceeded to lace her ball high and beyond the reach of Alia Skinner, handing Tech its first halftime deficit of the season.
Virginia Tech (3-1-0) conceded the opening goal of the match to Cincinnati (2-1-1) during the 26th minute when Vanessa DiNardo cleaned up Maddy Pittman's feed inside the six-yard box. The Bearcats' two goals went down as their only two attempts on target of the day.
Battling a hot sun during the second half, Tech kept fighting to find the equalizer. The Hokies effectively outshot Cincinnati, 9-3, after halftime, settling for the 14-11 advantage (7-2 on target) for the match.
Sunday's result marked Tech's first-ever defeat to the Bearcats. The Hokies had kept two clean sheets to win the previous two meetings, including the programs' 2015 NCAA tournament match in Blacksburg.
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will compete this week in the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational, as hosted by James Madison. The Hokies will face the host Dukes on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 5 p.m. and oppose the defending national champion, Santa Clara, on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m.