The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (0-1-1) fought fifth-ranked and favored Virginia (1-0-1) to a 1-1 overtime draw Wednesday night at Thompson Field.
As usual, the Hokies were aggressive on both sides to start the match and carried their intensity throughout the opening half. Tech held the advantage in shots (9-3) and corner kicks (2-1) in the opening period but was unable to capitalize on any of its first-half chances.
Tech would carry the momentum into the second half, but a foul inside the box in the 61st minute gave Virginia’s Irakoze Donasiyano a chance to give the Cavaliers the lead, only to be stopped by sophomore Matt Zambetti’s diving save.
Tech was first on the board when Daniel Pereira’s through ball set up a streaking Kahlil Dover on a breakaway in the 77th minute to end the deadlock. In scoring the first goal of his career, Dover raced past several Cavaliers and used his right foot to curve his shot past Virginia’s keeper Colin Shutler.
Virginia answered just a minute later as Joan Gibert’s shot off a free kick hit Tech’s wall, which caused the ball to bounce high and over the outstretched arms of Zambetti and into the goal.
The remainder of the second half was a back-and-forth affair as each team tried to take the lead. The Hokies had several chances, including an opportunity off a corner kick in the 89th minute, but Nathan Durst’s header sailed over the crossbar.
The tough defense played throughout the night continued into both overtime periods as neither team was able to get much going.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Shots: Virginia Tech 23-12
Corners: Virginia Tech 9-2
Saves: Virginia 4-3
GAME NOTES
Matt Zambetti made his second consecutive start in goal for the Hokies.
Tech drew Virginia for the third time over the last five matches
UP NEXT
The Hokies return to Blacksburg for the second of their three consecutive home matches on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11:00 a.m. as they host Notre Dame. That game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
Tech is 3-6-1 all-time against the Fighting Irish with the last three matches all being Virginia Tech victories.
