LEXINGTON, Ky. – Courtesy of a stunning 88th-minute equalizer from Ian Marcano, Virginia Tech earned a 2-2 draw on the road against No. 23 Kentucky.
The Hokies hit the road for the first time this regular season and found themselves down two goals after 39 minutes, however, Marcano’s strike and an Ethan Hackenberg penalty in the 41st minute highlighted a well-earned draw on the road.
Tech fell behind 1-0 on a well-placed free kick from Kentucky’s Agustin Lopez in the 27th minute that clipped the bottom of the crossbar – just out of Cooper Wenzel’s reach.
The goal was Virginia Tech’s first score allowed in the 2024 campaign – 206:28 minutes in, surpassing its previous ACC-era program record of 199:08 set in 2016.
Some crafty work in the box just 12 minutes later allowed Kentucky to double its lead with a shot from Nick Zielonka.
Without hesitation, the Hokies bounced back when Marcos Escoe was brought down in the box to earn Tech its second penalty in as many games.
Hackenberg, riding the momentum of his penalty last Tuesday against UNC Asheville, slotted home another to bite into Kentucky’s lead.
Despite trailing 2-1 at the break, Tech led the shots tally, 11-5.
In the second half, the formal attempts were reeled in, however Tech maintained most of the possession.
With the pair of Malick Thiaw and Marcano coming on in the 71st minute, the Hokies began to ramp up their chances in the final phase of the game.
In the 79th minute, Marcano lifted a cross that began to fade and rattled the crossbar, nearly falling fortunately for Marcos Escoe, but Kentucky cleared its line.
With time fleeting, Willie Cardona whipped in a cross that fell to Marcano, who corralled the ball with his right foot, brought it to his left then curled it to the top-left corner past the outstretched goalkeeper.
The goal secured a draw for Virginia Tech, continuing its unbeaten start to the season.
Tech’s second of three games within six days comes on Thursday, as the Hokies host Presbyterian College at 5 p.m. on Thompson Field.
Hokie Club