BLACKSBURG – It was a "next-man-up" mentality that spurred on Virginia Tech's 1-0 overtime win on Wednesday night at Thompson Field, propelling the Hokies into the ACC quarterfinals for the fifth-consecutive season.
A 97th-minute strike from Jack Dearie, his first career goal in only his second career appearance, sealed Tech's (10-4-3, 3-4-1 ACC) dominant performance over Boston College (6-7-2, 2-4-2 ACC). The Hokies had the Eagles under pressure all night, registering 15 shots in comparison to the visitor's two.
Wednesday's thrilling win required some new faces to step up at big moments, as Sivert Haugli and Mayola Kinyua – two integral pieces of Virginia Tech's central defense – were unavailable for the contest. Chris Nicola stepped into the starting lineup for the first time in his career. The San Diego, Calif. native was sound at the back in his first competitive start in his three-year career.
Freshman Ben Martino was not called upon much, however he was prepared to sweep off his line when necessary to clean up the scraps and came up with a diving save to his right in the 82nd minute to preserve the clean sheet.
It was from a Kyle McDowell long throw-in that a ball landed at Welnilton da Silva Jr.'s feet. The centerback's shot fell to the chest of Dearie, whose shot trickled into the back of the net.
Wednesday's match was Tech's sixth overtime fixture of the season, and their third victory from extra time – all three (Virginia, Notre Dame, and Boston College) coming at home.
Up next, the Hokies will travel up to Pitt (10-4-1, 5-2-1 ACC) to take on the top-seeded Panthers at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The match will offer Virginia Tech a chance to gain revenge from its 4-1 defeat to Pitt last Friday.Gallery: (11-3-2021) MSOC: ACC Championship First Round vs. Boston College
