BLACKSBURG – Jacob Labovitz scored two goals, including the game-winner in double overtime, to power the No. 17 Virginia Tech men's soccer team over Virginia, Friday night at Thompson Field.
The Friday evening fixture had all the makings that a Commonwealth Clash match typically has, with both sides exchanging blows throughout the night.
Despite plenty of chances, neither team could break through in the first 45 minutes, and the score was tied at zero going into the break.
In the early moments of the second half, Labovitz decided he had experienced enough of a drought. From a free kick on the right side of the pitch, Kyle McDowell whipped in a ball that Labovitz placed into the back of the net with his head.
Ben Martino continued his exemplary freshman campaign between the sticks, recording eight saves throughout the night. The Cavaliers were able to catch him out once, in the 58th minute, as Asparah Slavov belted a powerful shot into the top of the net from outside the box.
It seemed following that goal that the match might end in a 1-1 draw, the same score line as the fixture in the fall of 2020 at Thompson Field.
However, Pol Monells and Labovitz had other plans. Bringing energy from a new role off the bench, Monells used the extra gas in his tank to whip in a cross that landed on the head of Labovitz, who recorded his third goal of the season in game-winning fashion.
The win marks Tech's fourth win all-time against Virginia, but its second in two years. In the last four fixtures over two seasons, the Hokies have walked away with seven of a possible 12 points.
Virginia Tech's home supporters also provided an advantage, as a record 2,725 fans piled into Thompson Field to watch Friday's match.
The win gives the Hokies one point in the Commonwealth Clash, presented by Smithfield. The score for the Commonwealth Clash currently is 1.0-0 in favor of Virginia Tech.Gallery: (9-17-2021) MSOC: Virginia Match
