Hokie ClubCLEMSON, S.C. – Virginia Tech was moments away from earning a well-deserved draw on the road at Clemson before a late goal resulted in the Tigers claiming a 2-1 victory.
In a second half that saw Tech put three shots on frame, including a stunning equalizer by Misei Yoshizawa, the Hokies held much of the ball seemed the aggressors until the final moments.
However, with less than 10 seconds remaining, Clemson's Ousmane Sylla hit a shot that was destined to miss the mark until it deflected off a Tech defender into the goal.
The result was a heartbreaker for Virginia Tech, which had turned up its attacking flair in the second half. The Hokies put up six shots in the second half – building on the five they got off in the first half.
Clemson found a breakthrough in the first half by way of a 31st-minute goal from Nathan Richmond.
Off the bench, Andy Sullins provided an immediate impact in response to the opening goal, as he registered two shots on target within the next 10 minutes of the game. With neither being able to find the back of the net, the Hokies went into the break down 1-0.
It was a much more rejuvenated Tech team going forward in the second half, as freshman Noe Uwimana provided his prowess on the left wing, while his counterpart Willie Cardona controlled the ball well on the right. Carter Hensley, Mayola Kinyua and Marco Vesterholm offered support in the midfield, supplying opportunities for the rotating cast up top of Sullins, Oliver Roche, Declan Quill and Marcos Escoe.
It was another substitute, Yoshizawa, that found Tech's response in the 70th minute. The sophomore controlled Kinyua's delivery with his chest before rocketing home a shot past the keeper.
The unfortunate winner for Clemson saw Virginia Tech suffer its first loss of conference play and snapped a six-game unbeaten streak for the Hokies.
Tech returns to action on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. against Pitt in Pittsburgh, Pa.