No. 24 Virginia Tech Battles Hard In Scoreless Draw Against NC State On Senior Night

James Duncan

Staff Writer

October 11, 2024

BLACKSBURG – As No. 24 Virginia Tech celebrated its senior class, it faced off against NC State.

The Hokies (6-3-2, 1-3-1 ACC) and the Wolfpack (5-2-4, 1-2-1) both traded opportunities throughout the game, but neither team was able to find the back of the net ending the game in a 0-0 draw.

It was an emotional night for Virginia Tech as the program honored its six seniors prior to kickoff. 

“It’s always difficult when you have to say goodbye to a group,” Tech head coach Mike Brizendine said after the game. “Like Carter [Hensley], he’s been here for the good times and the bad times. So it is great that he’s stuck with it, got better, and put us in a position where we are so far this year.”

Setting emotions aside, the Hokies turned their attention to the Wolfpack, nearly making an early impact just two minutes into the match. Senior Ethan Hackenberg came close to scoring, challenging NC State’s goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho to make a tough save.

Tech dominated the time of possession throughout the first 20 minutes of the game. More opportunities came for the Hokies, but they were just unable to get one past Carvalho.

NC State turned the tide in the final 20 minutes of the first half, putting pressure on Tech goalkeeper Cooper Wenzel, who was forced to make several crucial saves. The Wolfpack earned a corner kick that nearly resulted in a goal, but Wenzel stood firm, deflecting the shot, which was then cleared by defender Yonis Kireh.

All three of Wenzel’s saves came in the first half. He was outstanding once again for Tech, posting his sixth clean sheet of the season.

“[Wenzel] has been a foundational piece for our group,” Brizendine said. “His decision making is excellent and his feet are very good. I’ve been very pleased with what he’s doing.”

The first 10 minutes of the second half were very much a stalemate. Neither team was really able to create any real offensive chances.

NC State got very close to opening the score with a header by forward Hakim Karamoko, but it sailed just over the head of Wenzel.

Tech found a second wind in the final 10 minutes of the game. The Hokies were awarded a free kick just outside of the box and forward Andy Sullins hit it hard on target right at the goalkeeper. Hackenberg had another opportunity in the 84th minute that was headed over the net.

Both teams had plenty of opportunities to score, but excellent goalkeeper play on both ends resulted in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

“I’m happy with the shutout, they’re a very good team,” Brizendine said. “To get a point, I’m happy with that.”

The Hokies will try to find a win as they stay at home to take on Winthrop on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra).