Own Goal In Last Minute Gives Virginia Tech Win Over Davidson

Tuesday, October 20

Blacksburg, Va.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College Athletics

10-4-0

Virginia Tech

4-8-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Davidson	0	0	0
Virginia Tech	0	1	1

Alex Caskey

Own Goal In Last Minute Gives Virginia Tech Win Over Davidson

10/20/2009 10:07:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Mark Brumbaugh

BLACKSBURG, Va. – An own goal off a Virginia Tech corner kick in the last minute of play gave the Atlantic Coast Conference power a 1-0 win over the Davidson men's soccer team on Tuesday night at Thompson Field.

Virginia Tech's Andrew Baden made contact with the ball after it entered the six-yard box, and the ball deflected off a Davidson defender and into the net. With the loss, Davidson fell to 10-4, while Virginia Tech, playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, improved to 4-8-2 with just one loss against an unranked opponent so far this season.

“It's a tough way to end the game, as we did not concede a shot on goal for the whole match, but I am really proud of how our guys competed in the second half against a talented, ACC team,” said head coach Matt Spear. “Our guys came out with a renewed energy and played well-enough to win the game.”

Virginia Tech outshot Davidson, 12-8 on a strong first half, but the 'Cats rallied with the better scoring opportunities later in the game. However, the Hokies' 11th corner kick resulted in the match-deciding goal.

Davidson had two back-to-back scoring opportunities in the second half with just under 18 minutes remaining. Junior MF Alex Caskey (Dunwoody, Ga) just missed the far-post on a shot from left of the net, 10-yards out. Reiter then missed right after the 'Cats intercepted the ensuing goal kick.

Junior F Yannick Pilgrim (Arima, Trinidad & Tobago) had an opportunity in front of the goal from 12-yards out with less than 12 minutes remaining, but goalkeeper Stefan Caulfield successfully challenged the shot and made the save.

Caulfield made three saves on the night.

The Wildcats defense fended off four consecutive corner kicks in the 56th and 57th minutes, only allowing one shot, which was blocked before reaching goalkeeper Chip Sanders (Thomasville, Ga.).

Virginia Tech generated the majority of the offensive opportunities early in the first half. Brendan Dunn nearly rolled a shot inside the right post in the ninth minute.

“Their physical, direct style of play got us out of our rhythm early on, but our guys responded well,” said Spear.

The Hokies outshot the 'Cats 8-4 for the half, but Davidson recorded the lone shot on goal. Senior F Charlie Reiter (Westport, Conn.) had an opportunity in the 22nd minute. Reiter took three of Davidson's four shots in the half.

Next for Davidson will be a crucial Southern Conference match against Wofford in the regular season home finale on Oct. 24 in Alumni Stadium. The seven members of the Class of 2010 will be recognized prior to the match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“We certainly would have liked to have won this game, and we created enough clear chances to do," said Spear. "This game will definitely make us stronger for Conference play, and our focus now is on our very important SoCon match on Saturday.”

Notes: The 'Cats fell out of the top-25 national rankings after splitting a pair of conference matches last week, but continue to receive votes in the national polls … the 'Cats are now 1-1 against ACC opponents (previously defeated then-No. 6 Duke) this season … they will face No. 3 Wake Forest, also of the ACC, on Oct. 27.