Hokies win first game of the season, 100th under head coach Mike Brizendine

By Dillon Sackett

Staff Writer

September 19, 2022

BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech won its first game of the season Tuesday night, defeating Longwood 4-0 at Thompson Field.

Longwood Lancers (1-4-2, 2-0 Big South) entered the matchup on a three game losing streak, while the Hokies (0-5-1) entered winless.

In the end, Virginia Tech dominated its in-state foe, as has been the case in recent matchups.

The Hokies won the last five meetings against the Lancers, the last a 1-0 win in Blacksburg in 2011. Tech is 7-4-2 in its last 13 games against Longwood.

But both teams have struggled this year. In particular, the Hokies who have lost four matches by a difference of one goal.

The first half was all Hokies. Tech netted all four goals before halftime.

Carter Hensley got his first goal of the season in the 8th minute. It was a hard left foot strike as the ball was coming across the face of the goal. The shot was deflected by Longwood keeper Jeff Gates.

Connor Pugh added a brace with goals in the 16th and 30th minute of the match. Pugh’s first goal was a left strike to the bottom left hand corner, and he doubled up by winning a contested header.

Danny Flores finished the scoring with a penalty kick that was buried in the bottom right corner from the spot.

“It felt good to get 4 goals, to have a shutout and to play every eligible player on my roster — really all we can hope for,” Mike Brizendine said after the game.

If the first half was all offense, the second half was all defense. The Hokies rotated all their defenders to help keep the clean sheet.

Head Coach Mike Brizendine was able to rotate 21 players onto the field. The second half was back and forth with both teams showing glimpses of hope but no results.

Not only was this the first win of the season for the Hokies but, it was also Mike Brizendine 100th career win as a coach for the Hokies. The head coach has spent 14 years as Virginia Techhead men’s soccer coach.

“I love Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, it’s been a blessing for me and my family”, Mike Brizendine said after reaching the century mark in career wins.

The Hokies will look to continue their winning ways as they head south to take on the NC State Wolfpack Friday, September 23rd at 7 p.m.