Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – A second-half goal sunk the Hokies on Friday night, despite Tech out-shooting No. 8 Notre Dame, 14-6, in the midst of a 1-0 defeat.
A flick-on header by Mitch Ferguson from Kyle Genenbacher's long throw found Matthew Roou at the back post in the 72nd minute, allowing the Fighting Irish's leading scorer to guide the ball into the net for the game's lone goal.
Despite facing a top-10 foe, the Hokies looked confident from the beginning of the match. In the first half, Tech had 10 shots, which was a season high for attempts in the first 45 minutes. Notre Dame did well to see off the opportunities, however, having players put their bodies on the line twice to stop Tech's two attempts on frame in the half.
Opportunities were more subdued in the second half, as Notre Dame put together three shots to Virginia Tech's four. Following the Fighting Irish's go-ahead goal, only one attempt was recorded by either side.
Averaging 2.08 goals per game, the eighth-ranked Irish were subdued by Virginia Tech's makeshift back line, which featured midfielder Carter Hensley after Theo Drennan missed the game due to a red card in Tuesday's match with William & Mary.
Friday's match marked Tech's first time being held scoreless and their first defeat at home this season.
The Hokies are back in action on Tuesday against Queens in Charlotte, N.C., before hosting rival Virginia on Friday, Oct. 20.