Hokies edged by Cavaliers 2-1 at Thompson

12F
(12) Virginia (5-0-1) 112
Virginia Tech (2-4) 011
  • Thompson Field - 2,143

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team fell to No. 12 Virginia at Thompson Field 2-1 on Friday night. A pair of goals by Edward Opoku and four saves from Jeff Caldwell were enough to see the Cavaliers move to 5-0-1 on the season and 2-0 in league play.

The result moves the Hokies to 2-4 and 0-2 on the season.

The Cavaliers got on the board early, when Opoku ran onto a long ball played from Ryan Peterson in midfield. The forward controlled the ball and took aim at the far corner of the net in the eighth minute of the match.

For the rest of the first half, the Hokies were in control, aiming five shots at the Virginia net. Collin Verfurth and Marcelo Acuna saw efforts sail wide and Jon Ingason’s attempt was blocked by a defender’s challenge.

Opoku put the Cavaliers up two goals after the break in the 49th minute when he charged down another long ball in the Hokies’ defensive third. After a ricochet, Opoku was left with an empty net that he was able to pass the ball into.

Tech kept up the pressure in the second half, putting up six shots and earning three corner kicks. The game benefitted from the inclusion of Gino Rossi, who saw his first minutes of the season for the Hokies.

A late sub, Forrest White had an effort on frame that produced an acrobatic save from Caldwell that surrendered a corner. After the ensuing kick, Verfurth’s left footed volley found the back of the net in the 90th minute to close the gap.

The Tech-UVA soccer game was presented by Virginia529, the official college savings plan of Virginia Tech Athletics and the University of Virginia Athletics. The score for the "Commonwealth Clash" is now 1-0 in favor of Virginia. Learn more about Virginia529 and this competition at www.thecommonwealthclash.com.

Next up
Tech is back at Thompson Field to host the Davidson Wildcats on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

For updates on Virginia Tech men's soccer, follow the Hokies on Twitter

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