Virginia Tech Women's Soccer Suffers 1-0 Loss To Duke

Josh Collier

Staff Writer

October 19, 2023

Virginia Tech dropped a 1-0 contest to Duke on Thursday night to fall to 6-7-3 overall. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG — The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team (6-7-3) could not pull out a win during Alia Skinner and Averi Visage’s senior night against Duke (6-5-3) at Thompson Field on Thursday night. 

The Blue Devils came out aggressive and seemed to be in control of the match for the most part, especially during the first half. They outshot the Hokies 8-0 in the first half and 13-4 in the game in addition to receiving far more corner kicks (6-0 in the first half, and 13-3 in the game) as well. 

“We were a little bit flat in the first half,” Virginia Tech coach Chugger Adair said. “[In the second half] we went back to our 4-4-2 system and that really helped us get a little bit more pressure. [I am] proud of the effort in the second half.” 

In the second half of play, the Hokies came out far more aggressive offensively. With about 4:30 remaining in the second half, junior forward Sophie Maltese received a pass from a corner kick right in the goalie’s box with a golden opportunity to tie the game. Although, she was not able to capitalize and she missed the shot just over the goal.

The one goal that was scored in this match came in thanks to freshman Phoebe Goldthwaite of the Blue Devils. She scored her first collegiate goal in ten games which turned out to be what won the game for Duke. 

Duke came into this matchup having not won a game since Sept. 17 — a six-game winless streak — which is no longer alive. 

One event that the Virginia Tech women’s soccer team was able to celebrate Thursday night was the senior nights for goalkeeper Alia Skinner and defender Averi Visage.

“We’re going to miss Averi’s versatility,” Adair said. “We’ve played her in many positions over her time. We’ll miss that as well as the fun, loving attitude she has.

“Skinner is somebody who competes, somebody who shows up day-in and day-out to play and goaltend for us,” Adair said. “She gives us some solid goalkeeping and we’re always satisfied [with her].”

Skinner and Visage, along with the rest of the team, will look to turn things around on Sunday when they host Miami for the Hokies’ second-to-last match of the regular season.