virginia tech soars past the cardinals

Patrick Campbell

October 31, 2020

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Virginia Tech earned their first win of the season over Louisville on Friday night behind a golden goal from forward Jacob Labovitz that sealed the 2-1 overtime victory.

The Hokies came out of the gates hot in the first half, unloading 12 shots and allowing just two from Louisville. Cardinals keeper Jake Glenovatch earned six saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

Tech continued its offensive onslaught in the second half, matching their shot total from the first 45 minutes.

The Hokies finally broke through on a turnover from Louisville in the 57th minute. Midfielder Kristo Strickler collected a through ball and placed a cross past the Louisville keeper to Labovtiz who tapped it into an empty net.

The Cardinals only produced three shots but got the equalizer in the 72nd minute. Forward Pedro Fonseca placed a beautiful through ball from half field that midfielder Elijah Amo rocketed into the bottom left corner.

At the end of regulation, the two sides were tied at one. Tech continued to put the pressure on the Cardinals in overtime, which paid off. Midfielder Chris Little capitalized on a Louisville turnover and found Labovitz, who ripped a ball into the top corner to win the game in the 93rd minute. Tech finished with 26 shots compared to five for Louisville.

Virginia Tech (1-1-2, 1-1-2 ACC) will head on the road to face Notre Dame at 1 p.m. on Monday while Louisville (1-5-1, 1-3-1 ACC) will travel to face Notre Dame on Friday at 7 p.m.