Hokie ClubDURHAM, N.C. – Virginia Tech (4-2-1, 2-0-1 ACC), who conceded a goal in the first 70 second of the match, responded with four goals to secure a 4-2 road victory over Duke (3-5-0, 0-3-0 ACC) Friday evening at Freeman Field inside Koskinen Stadium.
The Blue Devils opened the scoring just 1:09 into the match when Ari Racaj converted a chance assisted by Logan Moniz and Emmanuel Frimpong. Tech answered in the 17th minute as Alex Perez played the corner kick to Amir Ariely, who found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1.
The Blue Devils regained the lead in the 20th minute when Racaj scored his second goal of the night, giving Duke a 2-1 advantage.
The Hokies responded once again before halftime. With less than a minute remaining in the opening half, Luke Hamel scored his first goal of the season off an assist from Mathias Yohannes to send the teams into the break tied, 2-2.
Virginia Tech carried that momentum into the second half and took its first lead of the night in the 68th minute. Ariely scored his second goal of the match, heading home a cross from Tito Peralta with Perez also credited with an assist. Just over two minutes later, Perez extended the Hokies' lead to 4-2 by converting a penalty kick in the 70th minute.
The Hokies' defense held Duke scoreless throughout the second half, while goalkeeper Diego Dauzier made two saves to secure the victory.
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech returns to Thompson Field for two matches, the first a non-conference tilt at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22 against Queens (NC). The match will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.