Hokie ClubWashington, D.C. -- The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team earned their first win of the season in convincing fashion, trouncing Howard 7-2. Sophomore Robert Alberti earned three goals during the match, just one shy of a Tech record. Tech’s offense was very efficient, earning their seven goals on 13 shots.
Freshman Mikey Minutillo started it off with a goal in the 20th minute, with sophomore captain David Fiorello earning the assist. Alberti’s first of three goals came in the 34th minute with an assist from freshman keeper Kyle Renfro, who earned the win but split time today with freshman James Daly in between the posts. At the half, Tech was up 2-0, but neither team was satisfied yet.
Freshman David Clemens drove in two back-to-back goals in the second half, his second and third of the season. The first came in the 46th minute and the second in the 61st, off a rebounded shot from sophomore Greg Cochrane, who earned the assist on the goal. Howard answered back quickly, with goals in the 75th and 76th minutes to bring the score to 5-2. In the closing minutes, Tech put the game far out of reach. Alberti notched his third of the day in the 86th minute, and only seconds later freshman Adama Wakai netted his first goal of the season taking a clear shot from inside the 18-yard box.
The Hokies will look to take the momentum from this win into Friday’s home opener against Clemson. Fans can watch their men’s soccer team in their first ACC contest of the season at 8 p.m. at Thompson Field. For fans who can’t make it out to Thompson Field, the game will also be available on live streaming video on www.hokiesports.com.
Virginia Tech Men’s Soccer is also proud to introduce a new spirit club dedicated to supporting the Hokies and creating the ultimate home-field advantage at Thompson Field. The Orange Card is open to any Hokie soccer enthusiast and for only $10 includes an official t-shirt, reserved seating section, free food tailgates at every home match, special meet and greet with the team and much more! Registration is now open for the 2010 season. Fans can download a registration form online at www.hokiesports.com under the Orange Card link on the men’s soccer page or apply at any home men’s soccer match. For more information, contact the Marketing Office at bdigiacomo@vt.edu or (540) 231-3236.