The winning goal capped off an impressive night for the freshman from Iceland, who assisted Gardiner’s goal in the 38th minute.
Virginia Tech knocked on the door for most of the first half, recording 11 shots before its first breakthrough, which came on a corner kick delivered by Carter Hensley that Stephensen headed down into the path of Gardiner.
The Hokies entered halftime with a 15-1 shot advantage, reaching a double-digit shot tally in the first half for a second consecutive game.
By first-half standards, the Hokies were more subdued offensively in the final 45 minutes.
Presbyterian’s only shot on frame was its equalizing goal in the 71st minute by Damorney Hutchinson, the 2023 Big South Newcomer of the Year.
After Tech was dispossessed in the midfield, Sandro Rabarivony played Hutchinson through, who slotted the ball past Cooper Wenzel for his first goal conceded at Thompson Field this season.
With time winding down in the 81st minute, Alex Perez delivered a corner that Thiaw headed off the crossbar and bounced towards Stephensen, who wrapped his left foot around the ball and rifled it into the back of the net.
The win was Virginia Tech’s third at home and second result of the week. A wild six-day run of three matches wraps up on Sunday, as the Hokies face Furman in Greenville, S.C.
Notes
- Gardiner’s goal was his first with the Hokies, but the fourth of his career. In 2022, the defenders scored against Virginia Tech while at Davidson.
- Ethan Hackenberg made his first start of the season for Tech.
- With Stephensen and Gardiner’s goals, the Hokies have now scored 10 goals with eight different players.
- Tech has scored multiple goals in all four games, already matching their tally in 2023.
- The Hokies are 44-4-2 under Mike Brizendine when scoring multiple goals in one game at Thompson Field.
- Virginia Tech has at least three wins through four games for the first time since 2019.
- Three goals conceded through four games is the fewest by the Hokies since 2016 (one).
