virginia tech and no. 5 virginia draw in blacksburg
Patrick Campbell
October 15, 2020
Virginia Tech forward Kahlil Dover celebrates after his 76th minute goal that gave the Hokies a lead over the fifth-ranked Cavaliers. (Virginia Tech athletics)
BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech and Virginia finished in a 1-1 tie at Thompson Field on Wednesday night after Tech outshot UVa 23-12 but couldn’t break through.
The first half was full of missed opportunities for the Hokies. Tech forward Jacob Labovitz delivered the best chance all night in the 11th minute on a crafty cross that was placed up and over a gaping net on the far side by midfielder Kristo Strickler. Virginia Tech forward Alex Adjetey showcased his burst in the 42nd minute, carving his way into the box and poking a ball just wide.
Virginia Tech continued to be the aggressor in the second half after defender Sivert Haugli just missed a header on a cross from midfielder Daniel Pereira in the 56th minute. The Cavaliers hung around and earned themselves a penalty kick off a handball from Haugli in the 61st minute. Tech keeper Matt Zambetti, in his second career start, made a massive diving save on UVa forward Irakoze Donasiyano to keep it scoreless.
Tech broke the tie on a terrific through ball from Pereira in the 76th minute that found the streaking feet of forward Kahlil Dover. The junior from Reston, Va. blasted his shot past Virginia keeper Colin Shutler.
In the blink of an eye, the Cavaliers responded with a goal of their own. Virginia midfielder Joan Gilbert scored on a free kick that ricoheted off a Tech defender and up and over the outstretched arms of Zambetti.
In the 89th minute, the tide shifted again. Hokie forward Jacob Labovitz earned his second yellow card going for a header at midfield, which put Tech down a man heading into overtime.
Virginia Tech and Virginia traded blows in the first and second overtime periods. Tech produced chances with only 10 men in the first overtime but couldn't put any past UVa’s Shutler. The second overtime found the Cavaliers in the attacking half for much of the period. The Hokies bend but don't break defense fended off the Cavaliers to finish the match in a 1-1 tie.
Virginia Tech (0-1-1, 0-1-1 ACC) and Virginia (1-0-1, 1-0-1 ACC) both return to action on Sunday. Tech stays at home to face Notre Dame at 11 a.m., while the Cavaliers host No. 2 Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m.