October 30, 2015
Tech loses tough match to Duke on the road, 2-1
Hokies' Collin Verfurth scored for second straight game
12F
Virginia Tech (5-9-3) 101
Duke (10-6-2) 112
  • Koskinen Stadium - 487

DURHAM, N.C. - The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-1 contest on the road at Duke Friday night to conclude the 2015 season.

The Hokies, needing a win to keep their chances of an ACC tournament berth alive, went down 1-0 early before fighting back and scoring just before halftime. Collin Verfurth got the equalizer in the 40th minute on an assist from Som Essome. The two teams battled back and forth before the Blue Devils got the game-winner on a diving header in the 80th minute.

Tech finished the season with a 5-9-3 record overall and a 0-5-3 mark in ACC play. The Blue Devils moved to 10-6-2 overall and 3-4-1 in ACC play.

The Hokies finish a season in which they got results from three ranked opponents, including two on the road in then-No. 10 Xavier and then-No. 19 Louisville. The Hokies also tied then-No.7 Notre Dame at home, 0-0.

Tech, missing several key starters again due to injury, held Duke to just one blocked shot through the first 10 minutes of the contest. On the offensive side, the Hokies’ Daniel Lauretano had an effort in the seventh minute go wide left of the post as did Matt Dudon just four minutes later.

Duke scored the first goal of the game in the 12th minute as Jeremy Ebobisse scored on assists from Brody Huitema and Zach Mathers.

Tech responded in the 40th minute as Essome sent a ball in to Verfurth who scored his second goal in as many games and his second goal of the season. The second half was back-and-forth until the 80th minute went Duke got the go-ahead goal on a header from Jared Rist.

Virginia Tech was then able to put more pressure on Duke’s goalkeeper Mitch Kupstas after Duke went ahead. Merlin Baus had a shot on goal in the 82nd minute that was saved Kupstas. Tech got their final shot in the 86th minute from Lauretano but his attempt was saved.

The Blue Devils outshot the Hokies 17-12 for the game including 7-3 in shots on goal. Duke held a slight 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

Morten Lamps earned the nod in goal as Ben Lundgaard missed the game due to injury. Lamps was able to make five saves in the contest.

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