BLACKSBURG, Va. – No. 21 Virginia Tech fell to Liberty, 2-1, on Thursday night at Thompson Field.
Sophie Maltese netted her first goal of the season in the loss. The Hokies move to 5-1-1 on the season.
How it Happened
Liberty had the Hokies on their heels early and struck first in the 31st minute to take a 1-0 lead. Despite the goal, Virginia Tech responded with a goal of its own in the 33rd minute to tie the match. A beautiful cross from Ava Arengo set up a header by Sophie Maltese that snuck into the top corner of the net.
we’re tied at thompson 💪
📺 – https://t.co/DwoIiIMDuR#Hokies⚽️ pic.twitter.com/W3q2qdht8T
— Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer (@HokiesWSoccer) September 6, 2024
A back-and-forth for most of the first half, Liberty ended the first 45 outshooting the Hokies 6-4.
The Lady Flames took the lead once again in the 51st minute, but the Hokies kept battling. A key save from Lauren Hargrove in the 57th minute kept Liberty from scoring a third goal, but Tech was unable to find the back of the net throughout the rest of the contest.
57′ What a save by Lauren Hargrove 🧤#Hokies⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4gIpkGMHSM
— Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer (@HokiesWSoccer) September 6, 2024
It’s the first loss of the season for the No. 21 Hokies after starting the season 5-0-1.
Game Notes
• The Hokies suffered their first loss of the season after starting 5-0-1 through the first six matches.
• The two goals against the Lady Flames are the most the Hokies have allowed all season.
• It’s the first time this season that the Hokies had fewer shots (9) and corners (5) than its opponent.
• Sophie Maltese scored her first goal of the season.
• She is the 10th different Hokie to record a goal this season.
• It’s also the 10th goal of her career.
• Ava Arengo recorded her first career assist.
• Kylie Marschall, Maysen Nelson, Emma Pelkowski and Aino Vuorinen played the entirety of the match.
• Annie DeHaan made her first collegiate start.
• Lauren Hargrove played the entirety of the match and recorded two saves.
Up Next
No. 21 Virginia Tech (5-1-1) travels to face Northwestern on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. in Evansville, Ill.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Virginia Tech Athletics…