Tech falls 1-0 to No. 3 Duke

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech fell to No. 3 Duke, 1-0, in its regular season finale at Thompson Field on Friday night.
 
Although the Blue Devils held an advantage in shots (14-6) and shots on goal (1-0), it was just a sudden breakthrough by Scotty Taylor in the 27th minute that separated the two sides on the scoresheet. 
 
Aside from the one goal conceded, Ben Martino put together five saves to keep Tech within reach of its top-three opponent. In the 73rd minute, the sophomore was able to make himself big and reach out a leg to stop a shot that would've doubled Duke's lead. 
 
On the attacking end, the Hokies' two best chances came in the final three minutes of the game. In the 88thminute, Daniel Starr unleashed a strong effort from outside the 18 off the bounce that tested the keeper, but couldn't find the back of the net. Just a minute later, Jack Dearie had a glancing header that barely missed creeping into the bottom left corner of the goal.
 
With its defeat, Virginia Tech will await other results in the ACC to find its destination for the first round of the ACC Tournament next week.

NOTES 

• Mason McClendon made his first career start, while Daniel Starr made his first start of the season.
• Ben Martino recorded five saves for the third-consecutive game.
• Friday's result marked Tech's third-consecutive loss by one goal in ACC play

Gallery: (10-29-2022) MSOC: Duke Match and Senior Night