Hackenberg, Thiaw log first goals for Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG – Behind goals from Ethan Hackenberg and Malick Thiaw, Virginia Tech notched its second win in as many matches this season with a 2-0 triumph over UNC Asheville.
With the win, the Hokies move to 2-0-0 for the first time since 2019, while securing back-to-back clean sheets to start the season for the first time since 2016.
Tech’s first wave of attackers prodded at the Bulldogs’ back line, but similar to last Thursday’s contest with North Florida, it was a set of substitutions that cracked the code for the Hokies.
Thiaw saw an opportunity early just moments after stepping onto the pitch for an injured Andy Sullins, foreshadowing things to come for the French striker.
However, it was a penalty won then finished by Hackenberg that propelled Tech into its lead.
After receiving a ball from Willie Cardona towards the top-right corner of the box, Hackenberg was clipped by a Bulldogs defender. The senior stepped up to the spot for the shot and sent the keeper the wrong direction, providing Tech a 1-0 lead.
For the second consecutive game, the Hokies took a clean sheet and lead into the break.
It took just two minutes and 39 seconds for the Hokies to double their lead, as Trey Gardiner played a ball over the top to the pacey Thiaw, who lifted the ball over the charging keeper and into the left corner of the net for his first goal of his collegiate career.
With 40 minutes to maintain its advantage, Virginia Tech leaned on a shift from its back line of Gardiner, Cardona, Floki Stephensen and Noe Uwimana to see out the victory. Evan Schroeder recorded the final 11 minutes from the right-back spot, as well.
Wenzel, who’s started his Tech career with 180 minutes of scoreless play, came up big with a diving save in the 67th minute – his biggest test of the night.
The Hokies will hit the road for the first time on Monday, as they face No. 23 Kentucky at 7:30 p.m.
