Hokies Get Off to Positive Start with Exhibition Win

Kolbjorn Bergstrom

February 24, 2021

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — In a match where both Virginia Tech and Virginia needed to shake off some off-season rust, the chances created for either side were plentiful. The Hokies had the best chance in the game and converted, sealing the 1-0 exhibition victory.

In the first half, the game felt well balanced through possession, though the Cavaliers totaled more shots and corners than the Hokies through the first thirty-five minutes.

While the Cavaliers were getting into the box and getting their shots blocked, the Hokies’ best chance was a ball sent from 30 yards out on the right sideline that ended up on target.

This changed for Virginia Tech when, with eight minutes to go in the half, the Hokies drew a penalty. Midfielder Andrew Weber took the penalty for the Hokies and buried his opportunity in the right side of the net, giving them the 1-0 lead heading into the half.

The majority of the second half saw UVa trying to fight back into the match, with more opportunities for the Cavaliers being saved or going narrowly wide. Unlike the first half, the Hokies were firmly on their back foot and did not possess the ball as much as they had in the first half.

In the last 15 minutes of the game, the script flipped. The Hokies earned more possession, resulting in a couple opportunities of their own.

One of the chances was a cross from Khalil Dover intended for an arriving Jack Dearie, who sustained an injury during his run to the middle of the box, ending his afternoon.

Tech fended off UVa until the final whistle and the exhibition finished 1-0 in favor of the Hokies.

The Hokies travel down to Conway, South Carolina to face Coastal Carolina at 1 p.m. The Cavaliers have a week until their next home game against George Mason on March 2 at 1 p.m.