FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Faced with the difficult task of playing the regional host during Friday's second round of the NCAA tournament, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team was unable to carry on its postseason run as the Hokies lost to second-seeded and seventh-ranked Arkansas, 3-0, at Razorback Field.
Virginia Tech (12-6-2) played from behind nearly the entire night as Anna Podojil delivered a 20-yard finish to the Razorbacks' counter-attack less than five minutes into the opening half. Entering Friday, the Hokies were unbeaten this season when scoring first (12-0-2) yet were winless during the five matches in which they trailed from the start.
Arkansas (18-4-0) peppered Tech during the first half, weighing down the Hokies in their defensive end while accumulating the 15-1 advantage in total attempts. Emily Gray did her best to steer a cross on target during the 31st minute, only to have it scooped up by the Razorbacks' keeper, Hannah Warner.
After conceding the opening goal to Podojil, Tech goalkeeper Alia Skinner recovered to save each of her next six defensive chances, preserving the contest's one-goal margin through halftime.
However, Arkansas charged for two quick goals following the intermission, building its 3-0 lead by the 56th minute. Reagan Swindall headed in Parker Goins' corner from the right flag, moments before Goins chased down an unassisted ball in the Tech backfield, finding the right post.
During her final match with Virginia Tech, Gray racked up five of the Hokies' eight attempts, placing three on target. Sophie Maltese directed one of her two attempts on target while Allie George nearly broke through for Tech during the 59th minute, despite having her try saved.
In the end, the Hokies were unable to overcome their 23-8 deficit in total attempts, surrendering the 11-5 margin in attempts on target. Tech also conceded the 8-1 difference in corners.
With Friday's defeat, Virginia Tech's record during the second round of the NCAA tournament dipped to 5-2-0 all-time. As a program, the Hokies have now finished among the final 32 teams standing during six of Chugger Adair's 11 seasons at the helm in Blacksburg.
Gallery: (11-19-2021) WSOC: 2021 NCAA Championship Second Round at Arkansas