Men's soccer closes out regular season play with 2–1 win over Pittsburgh

No. 22 Virginia Tech men’s soccer defeated Pittsburgh on Friday 2–1 to close out its regular season of play. This night was also senior night, honoring the Hokies’ six seniors.

The Hokies dominated all game, outshooting the Panthers 20–5. Pittsburgh had to fight to limit the damage with seven saves, but still allowed Virginia Tech to score twice.

The first goal of the game came after a crazy sequence deep toward Pittsburgh’s own goal. After three missed shot attempts back-to-back-to-back in the box, freshman Humberto Montero broke through with his second goal of the season.

The second goal was much farther out as redshirt-sophomore Gino Rossi broke midfield. Rossi ran down the right flank and fired from just in front of the Virginia Tech bench. The attempt crossed the field and hit the back of the left part of the net. Rossi’s first goal this season brought the Hokies up 2–0.

Virginia Tech was on the verge of its ninth shutout of the season, which would have been the most in a season in the Virginia Tech men’s soccer program.

The Hokies’ play that had been fast began to slow down. The game was ticking down and with less than five minutes to go, Pittsburgh was fouled and earned a penalty kick.

There was, “3:31 left in the game to be exact,” said head coach Mike Brizendine after the game.

Pittsburgh’s Matt Venanzi scored on the penalty kick, putting the Panthers on the board. After the goal was scored, Tech’s goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard threw the ball down in frustration.

“I’m frustrated 'cause we worked so hard. That should have been our shutout,” Brizendine said. “We worked hard enough for a shutout. We made a mistake and look what it caused.”

Virginia Tech will still have a chance to break the school record, but the team overall seems to want more.

“Last year we had some good individuals, but this year we’re playing as a team. We’re wanting success as a team,” Brizendine said.

The focus now shifts to the ACC Tournament. The Hokies will travel to Boston College on Wednesday for the first round of the tournament. Tech has not faced Boston College this season, but overall has struggled against the Eagles with a 1–10–2 record.

“I’m comfortable with any of the groups we’ll play in the first round,” Brizendine said. “In the second round there are matchups that will be much more difficult, but in the first round I like (our chances).”