Hokie ClubWINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Virginia Tech fell to Wake Forest, 2-1, on Saturday night at Spry Stadium.
After going behind from a free-kick late in the first half, Ethan Hackenberg pulled the Hokies level with a header in the 48th minute. However, a 73rd-minute goal from the Demon Deacons proved to be the final blow in the match.
As has been the case in all four of Tech’s losses this season, the Hokies out-shot their opponents, despite conceding two goals.
After absorbing some early pressure, Virginia Tech ramped it up going forward and created several chances.
Malick Thiaw and Hackenberg had the cleanest looks for the Hokies in the first 45’, in which they out-shot Wake Forest, 9-5.
Wake capitalized on a free-kick in the 42nd minute, as Jose Perez curled a strike into the top-left corner of the goal.
The Hokies look rejuvenated out the gate in the second half, as Hackenberg had an early look that forced a save from the Wake Forest goalkeeper.
Tech’s leading goalscorer made the most of the set-piece won, as his arching header was lofted over Wake’s defenders and ‘keeper before falling into the back of the net.
Wake stepped backed on the gas after the game went level, but Virginia Tech’s Cooper Wenzel stood strong inside the box. Although only two saves were recorded, the senior ‘keeper was dominant off his line on several occasions – making the hosts work for a winner.
Ultimately, that breakthrough was found, as a perfectly placed ball fell to Wake Forest’s Cooper Flax, who had a tidy finish to put it back ahead in the 73rd minute.
Pressing for an equalizer, the Hokies dominated possession in the final 15 minutes, but fell short of another goal.
Virignia Tech jumps right back into ACC play on Friday, October 25, at Thompson Field, as it welcomes No. 11 Duke.