Virginia tech men's soccer schedule preview

Patrick Campbell

October 10, 2020

Virginia Tech is coming off a strong 2019 campaign led by head coach Mike Brizendine, who enters his 12th season in Blacksburg. The Hokies survived the second hardest schedule in the nation, finishing 10-6-3 on the year, and made it to the second round of the ACC Tournament before they lost in penalty kicks to Wake Forest.

Before the NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech secured its highest national ranking ever in program history (10th) and Hokies earned a bye in the first round. It was Tech's fourth consecutive tournament appearance, the best stretch ever for the program. Tech left everything on the field in their sweet sixteen game against Stanford but lost 2-1.

As they enter 2020, Virginia Tech was voted to finish 3rd in the north region by the ACC head coaches. Senior midfielder Kristo Strickler was voted to the ACC preseason watch list, one of 11 players in the conference that were selected.

“We have some very talented returning players who have a desire to do big things,” Brizendine said ahead of the season opener. “A number of the guys returning this spring have ambitions to play after their time here at Virginia Tech. I mention that because it gives them a hunger and desire to work extremely hard and to get better.”

The Schedule:

Pittsburgh:

Virginia Tech opens its 2020 season at Pitt on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The Panthers finished last season with a 10-8-2 record, 4-3-1 in conference play. When the two teams met in 2019, the Hokies fell to the Panthers 3-1.

Pitt was voted to finish second in the north region this year. The Panthers are currently ranked No. 2 in the country after defeating No. 5 Notre Dame 3-1 on the road without star senior Edward Kizza.

“Edward Kizza is no longer with the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer program,” Pitt said in a statement.

Kizza earned many honors throughout the 2019 season, including All-South Region Second Team, First Team All-ACC, ACC All-Tournament Team and Scholar All-East Region Team.

Tech is 5-4-1 all-time against the Panthers and are seeking its first win against Pitt since 2018.

Virginia:

The Cavaliers are coming off of a National Championship game appearance where they fell in penalty kicks. Virginia finished the season 21-2-1, recording one loss in conference play.

Entering the 2020 campaign ranked No. 3 in the country, UVa returns one of their top scorers in senior Nathaniel Crofts, who produced six goals and 15 points last season. Virginia Tech will face Virginia twice this season, the first being the Hokies' home opener on Oct. 14.

The last time these two rivals faced off, Virginia left Blacksburg with a 2-0 victory. The Hokies are 2-5-32 all-time and are seeking their first win over Virginia since 2005.

Notre Dame:

Virginia Tech faces Notre Dame on their home field at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. The last time these two met, the Hokies knocked off the Irish 2-1 in Blacksburg. Tech scored two goals in the second half to surge past Notre Dame, extending its win streak to three over the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame was picked to finish last in the north region this season. The Fighting Irish are currently 1-2 on the season after winning their first match against Kentucky 1-0. They have struggled to find their stride losing 1-3 at home to Pittsburgh and 1-2 on the road at Louisville. Aiden Mcfadden leads Notre Dame in points this year with three. The junior midfielder has produced three assists for the Irish this season.

Tech is 3-1-6 all-time against the Irish and is looking for its fourth straight win against Notre Dame.

Syracuse:

Virginia Tech will host Syracuse for a Saturday night kickoff at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24. The Hokies knocked off the Orange 3-1 last season at home.

Syracuse dropped their opening contest of the season to No. 2 Pittsburgh 2-3 in overtime. The Orange played the majority of both extra periods a man down after a second yellow card was issued to forward Luther Archimede. With only 10 players on the pitch, Pittsburgh was able to score the golden goal in the 104th minute.

Syracuse was picked to finish right behind the Hokies at 4th in the north region for 2020. The two have played eight times before with Tech holding a 6-2 record against the Orange. The Hokies have won the last two matchups and will be looking for a third-straight win against Syracuse in late October.

Louisville:

Virginia Tech travels to Kentucky to face Louisville at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. The Cardinals were bested by the Hokies 2-1 at home in 2019 after Tech scored two goals on free kicks to earn their first win over Louisville since 1992.

The Cardinals were picked to finish 5th in the north region for 2020. Louisville is currently 1-2 on the season after losing its first two games to Kentucky and Wake Forest. Louisville won its first game at home, knocking off Notre Dame 2-1.

Pedro Fonseca has been the star for Louisville this season. The junior forward has 2 goals and an assist in three games played.

Virginia Tech is 11-1-5 all-time against the Cardinals and will look to win back to back games against Louisville for the first time since 1991-1992.