BLACKSBURG – The No. 13 Virginia Tech men's soccer team was shut out at home for the first time this season in its seventh fixture at Thompson Field, falling 2-0 to North Carolina.
A pair of uncharacteristic challenges came to the demise of the Hokies (9-3-3, 3-3-1 ACC) on Sunday: an inability to score and fouls.
In terms of chances to get on the scoresheet, neither Tech, nor the Tar Heels (9-5-1, 3-4 ACC), pulled away in opportunities. Both teams recorded nine shots, with North Carolina claiming a slight 3-2 edge.
Untimely fouls also came to bite Virginia Tech, though the Hokies still average the least number of fouls per game in the ACC, with 10.4.
North Carolina was awarded a penalty in the 37th minute, but Ben Martino leaped to his right and denied the visitors a chance to take the lead into the half.
However, lightning would not strike twice for the freshman goalie, who was beaten by another penalty attempt in the 53rd minute.
With central pieces of their lineup falling out with injuries throughout the game in Tyler Taber and Welnilton Da Silva Jr., the Hokies were forced to assemble what they could from the bench. The Tar Heels exploited that again in the 77thminute, doubling their lead and locking up a win.
The result snaps a six-game home win streak for the Hokies, who had only conceded four goals on their turf throughout the season.
Sunday's defeat brings Virginia Tech to .500 in league competition with one match remaining, although the Hokies remain unbeaten in their tough non-conference fixture.
Up next, Tech will face No. 10 Pittsburgh on Friday, Oct. 29 on the road.Gallery: (10-24-2021) MSOC: North Carolina Match
