Hokie ClubDALLAS, Texas – Thirteenth-ranked Virginia Tech fell to SMU, 2-0, on Friday night, in a result that gave Tech its first defeat of the season.
In their second ACC road fixture in as many weeks, the Hokies out-shot their host, 15-7, but conceded two second-half goals to suffer the defeat.
Both teams had flurries of opportunities in the first half, but went into the half scoreless. For SMU, that was the first time in five matches that it failed to score in the opening 45 minutes, while it was only the second time that occurred for Tech all season.
The game was nearly flipped on its head when Mathias Yohannes was shown a red card in the 24th minute for a tackle, however, video review overturned the decision
SMU opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a strike from inside the box by Daniel Escorcia.
Owen Zarnick doubled the Mustangs' fortunes just eight minutes later on a header off a corner kick.
The Hokies had two penalty shouts in the second half, but a pair of video reviews ruled both fair play by the SMU defense and goalkeeper.
Unable to find an answer, Tech suffered its first loss of the season, along with its first scoreless outing.
After three matches on the road, the Hokies will return home on Friday, Sept. 27 for a matchup with No. 2 Pitt at 7 p.m.
NOTES
- Declan Quill made his first appearance of the season for Virginia Tech.
- Floki Stephensen and Noe Uwimana returned to action following missing time due to injury.
- Tech was held scoreless for the first time since Oct. 20, 2023.
- Friday night's win was SMU's third result and second win of the season against a top-15 opponent.
- As of Friday night's kickoff, the Hokies have traveled over 3,405 miles in the month of September for away matches.