Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech rallied behind a 58th-minute goal from freshman Oliver Roche to secure a 1-1 draw against Loyola (Md.) on Thursday night at Thompson Field.
With supporters out in droves for the second-leg of a Virginia Tech soccer double-header, the Hokies put together a strong showing to build on as their non-conference slate continues. Sporting a starting lineup that featured Roche, Marcos Escoe, Ethan Ballek and Mason McClendon for the first time, Tech played 90 minutes without giving up a goal from open-play and looked dangerous in the attacking third to pick up its first result of the season.
After conceding early in the second half - a theme that has plagued Virginia Tech this season - from a well-hit free-kick, the Hokies responded with Roche's first goal of his collegiate career. Fellow freshman Noe Uwimana whipped in a cross that fell to the feet of Roche, who made a clever turn and fired the ball across the goal for the equalizer.
Despite taking pride in the result against a strong Greyhounds side that earned a 1-1 result on the road against ACC side North Carolina last week, the Hokies might feel unlucky to be leaving without triumph. Just three minutes following Roche's strike, Escoe had a two good looks on goal with only the keeper and a defender to beat, however Loyola's last line of defense came up strong for a block and save. In a similar motion as his first goal off the ensuing corner, Roche rattled the post before the ball fell rapidly to the feet of Conor Pugh, who couldn't muster enough to get a shot on frame.
With plenty of exciting action in the second half, Tech's first-half chances were highlighted in a bullet struck by Declan Quill that just grazed above the post and a curling effort from Pugh that just missed left of the frame.
Experience prevailed for Connor Jordan-Hyde in net, as the sixth-year senior registered three saves when called upon, including a close-range chance with under 10 minutes remaining.
Tech looks to carry the positives from the draw into Sunday, as it hosts Davidson at 6 p.m. on Thompson Field.Gallery: (8-31-2023) MSOC: Loyola Match