In the first match of ACC play Friday, the No. 15 Virginia men’s soccer team battled to a 1-0 win against a physical Virginia Tech squad, avenging a disappointing 2013 double overtime draw against the Hokies.
Through the majority of Friday night, it appeared the 2014 matchup was destined for a similar fate—a controlling Cavalier team would need more than 90 minutes to decide their fate. But all that was until the 74th minute. After numerous failed attempts, junior midfielder Scott Thomsen took a deep rip from well outside of the box that snuck through the Hokie defense into the goal, sending the packed Klöckner Stadium into a frenzy.
Virginia (3-1-0, 1-0-0 ACC) was able to maintain control for much of the final 16 minutes and earn the victory against Virginia Tech (2-3-0, 0-1-0 ACC), extending the team’s unbeaten streak in the rivalry to nine seasons. The Cavaliers outshot the Hokies 17-3 on the night, and never appeared in danger of letting this one slip away.
“The game really played out the way we expected,” coach George Gelnovatch said. “They’re a gritty defensive team. I just felt like we needed to score a goal, and that would win it.”
Thomsen had the game’s first shot, firing from six yards out in the ninth minute. A Virginia Tech defender deflected it away, denying the goal-scoring opportunity, and the Hokies were able to play away the ensuing corner.
Two minutes later, Virginia had another near miss after Virginia Tech freshman midfielder Merlin Baus picked up a yellow card on the sixth of 11 first half fouls for the Hokies. Cavalier freshman midfielder Jake Rozhansky headed Thomsen’s free kick towards the goal, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar.
Virginia’s closest chance to netting the opening score came with 27 minutes remaining in the opening half when sophomore forward Sam Hayward took a shot from the top of the box that clinked off the left post. Senior forward Ryan Zinkhan picked up the rebound, but his attempt was stopped by a diving save by Virginia Tech senior goalkeeper Ben Lockler.
The next opportunities came when the Cavaliers attempted two corner kicks in the span of 31 seconds in the 29th minute—the first resulted in a header deflected over the crossbar and the second a blocked shot. With six minutes to play in the half, Thomsen sent a perfect cross to Zinkhan, but his header lacked the power to get by Lockler.
This last shot seemed indicative of the Virginia’s first half. The Cavaliers outshot the Hokies 9-1 and took seven corners to Virginia Tech’s one just to find the match scoreless at the break. But a veteran Virginia squad was able to stay positive through their struggles.
“We never really got frustrated,” Thomsen said. “We just kept moving the ball and being patient with it and getting the chances we wanted to create because we knew the guys in the back were going to hold it down and play real solid defense.”
The Hokies exhibited slightly more offensive firepower to start the second half, as they maintained control through the first 10 minutes. However, the Cavaliers’ stout backline held their ground, as senior goalkeeper Calle Brown was able to save both Hokie shots.
Virginia nearly took the lead with 23 minutes remaining when Rozhansky sent a pass to junior forward Darius Madison in what were Madison’s first minutes of the season. But he was a split second behind the goalkeeper to the ball as Lockler scooped it up to end the play.
Between the 68th and 70th minutes, Virginia took three corner kicks, each to no avail. But Thomson’s dagger in the 74th minute provided the Cavaliers the energy and confidence they needed to close the game.
“I did feel like the goal was coming, even if that meant overtime,” Gelnovatch said. “I think we were wearing them down. We certainly created enough good chances to score a goal and win the game.”
Virginia has a quick turnaround, facing Virginia Commonwealth on Monday night. Despite not being ranked, VCU (3-2, 0-0 A-10) will certainly test the Cavaliers. Monday’s game will be the third straight against a top-15 opponent for the Rams.
VCU fell against No. 3 North Carolina, 1-0, last Sunday despite outshooting the Tar Heels 13-9. Then on Thursday, the Rams shocked the college soccer world with a 2-1 upset of No. 6 Georgetown, as senior forward Jose Manel netted the golden goal with less than a minute remaining in double overtime.
The last three games between Virginia and VCU have all ended in double overtime victories for the Cavaliers, including last season’s match when now-senior midfielder Eric Bird scored with 3:20 remaining in the second extra time period.
“We know VCU always gives us their best game, so we’re just really excited to play a team that plays soccer like us and not be as physical [like Virginia Tech],” Thomsen said. “We’re just excited to play another good opponent.”
Opening kickoff for the VCU game is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. at Klöckner Stadium.
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