Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Behind a second-half hat trick from senior Declan Quill, Virginia Tech (7-3-4, 2-3-2 ACC) stormed back from a two-goal deficit to earn a thrilling 3–2 victory over Cal (5-7-2, 1-5-1 ACC) Sunday evening.
Quill’s performance marks the first time in program history (since 2004) two hat-tricks have been scored in one season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Action in the match started early as Cal was awarded and converted a penalty in the second minute and then doubled their advantage in the 24th minute after a long ball and unassisted finish from the left side to move to 2-0. During that span, Virginia Tech tried to respond with high pressure as they fired off four shots within 20 seconds during the sixth minute, including one on target from Noe Uwimana.
The Hokies’ regrouped at the half and responded with energy after the break, outshooting the Golden Bears 15–3 in the second half. Quill started the comeback in the 55th minute as he headed in the bending corner kick feed from Joao Felicio, then struck again seven minutes later placing the ball into the far side netting, this time assisted by Andy Sullins, to level the match.
Tech didn’t quit as a long-range pass from Alex Perez set Quill up to complete the hat trick in the 81st minute, giving the Hokies their first lead of the match at 3–2. The senior’s shot ricochetted off the crossbar and over the goal line for the first multi-goal game of his career.
California pressed for an equalizer in the 90th minute, but Joseph came up with the crucial save to secure the victory. The win marks the Hokies’ second ACC victory of the season and their fourth result in their last five matches.
GAME NOTES
- Virginia Tech improves to 2-0 all-time against Cal, both wins ending with a 3-2 score
- The Hokies’ end their home slate with a 6-1-2 overall record
- Tech earned their first win of the season after their opponent scores first (1-3-3)
- Virginia Tech out-shot the Golden Bears, 24-13, while earning two more corner kicks, 7-5
- Forward Declan Quill tied a season-best seven shots, with six on-target leading all players
- Defender Joao Felicio and forward Andy Sullins both registered their first assists of the season
- Sophomore Alex Perez notched his fourth assist of the season, a personal best
- With two saves on the night, Sam Joseph’s ACC total moves to 17
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will travel to Historic Riggs Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, Oct. 31 against RV Clemson in the regular season finale.