virginia tech shuts Notre dame out, 2-0

Patrick Campbell

April 10, 2021

Virginia Tech celebrates after scoring a goal against No. 5 Pitt. The Hokies were defeated the Panthers on March 27, 2-1. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In a season of ups-and-downs, Virginia Tech (6-6-2, 5-5-2 ACC) finished its 2020-2021 regular season on a high note.


After defeating No. 15 North Carolina on April 2, the Hokies kept the momentum going on Friday night with a decisive 2-0 victory on the road against Notre Dame (8-9-0, 4-7-0 ACC).


Tech found its advantage on the wings and attacked the Irish as midfielder Kyle McDowell created space along the sidelines all night long.


Mcdowell’s pressure finally broke the back line of Notre Dame when a cross in the 41st minute found the right boot of midfielder Khalil Dover to give Tech a 1-0 lead.


Coming out of the break, Notre Dame had no answers for the Hokies’ offensive pressure. McDowell instantly broke through the Notre Dame defense coming out of the break and was poised to earn his second assist of the match in the 51st minute when his cross met the feet of forward Jacob Labovitz, whose shot was blocked from five yards out.


The senior from Great Falls wouldn't miss on his next opportunity, though. He cleaned up the rebound on a shot from midfielder Kristo Strickler, as he gave Tech a 2-0 lead and put the match on ice.


Midfielder Mayola Kinyua put the final nail in the coffin on a breakaway after a Notre Dame set piece that caught Notre Dame keeper Keagan McLaughlin out of position, and forced him to make a save outside of the box.


McLaughlin’s error resulted in a red card and the Fighting Irish were forced to play with 10 men, while back up keeper Bryan Dowd was in goal for the rest of the evening.


In one last gasp for the Irish, midfielder Dawson McCartney located a lofting ball that fell just behind a few Tech defenders, but his shot clanged off the left post.


Notre Dame closed the 2020-2021 campaign on a four game losing streak. The Irish finished last in the Coastal Divisions and second-to-last in the ACC.


Virginia Tech goalkeeper Matt Zambetti earned his second shutout of this season and his career. The Pennsylvania native has earned 11 saves in the past two games.


The Hokies earned their fourth consecutive win against Notre Dame and second consecutive ACC victory.


Tech earned all six of its victories on the road this season. Virginia Tech now sits at fourth in the Coastal Division with six points and awaits a potential bid to the NCAA Tournament.