Hokie ClubCHARLOTTE, N.C. – Virginia Tech landed back in the win column on Tuesday night against Queens with a 3-2 victory on the road.
After going into the break knotted up at 2-2, Oliver Roche scored his fourth goal of the season just five minutes into the second half, securing the 3-2 result for the Hokies.
The scoring started in the 12th minute when Conor Pugh netted his second goal in three games with a slick right-footed finish in front of the keeper using a perfectly placed ball from Mayola Kinyua. Pugh's goal was his third in a row against a non-conference opponent after grabbing goals against William & Mary and High Point.
Tech's quick start was short lived, however, as the Royals bounced back in the 34th minute with a headed goal.
Virginia Tech pushed itself back in front shortly after with a left-footed effort from Misei Yoshizawa in the 42ndminute off the ball from Andy Sullins. The sophomore's second goal of the season was the Hokies' fourth shot on frame of the half.
Again, the hosts rallied quickly – making sure Tech didn't take a lead into the break, as Queens leveled the score just a minute later.
Roche's winner early in the second half came in just his fifth minute of action, as he substituted on out of the half.
The Hokies were much more the aggressors in the second half, putting up nine shots in the final 45 minutes. Four of those attempts were on goal, taking Tech's tally to eight, which is tied for second-most this season.
Tech suffered another knock to its back line when Sergios Feneridis went down – compromising a defense that was already down first-teamers Welnilton da Silva Jr. and Noe Uwimana.
ACC play continues on Friday evening at Thompson Field, as Virginia Tech is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff with rivals Virginia in the Commonwealth Clash, presented by Smitfield.Gallery: (10-18-2023) MSOC: Queens Match