Tech coasts to 5-0 win over Liberty in first exhibition

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Goals from four separate players helped the Hokies cruise to a 5-0 win over Liberty in their first exhibition match of the 2013 season, Saturday afternoon at Thompson Field.

“I was pleased with our performance. Anytime you play a quality team and get a shut out is a great thing. More importantly, I wanted to see what we have,” said head coach Mike Brizendine after the win. “It’s nice to see everyone in a competitive environment against a quality opponent. There were definitely some bright spots but there are also a lot of things that we need to clean up before our next preseason match against a very good Radford team.”

The game against the Flames, which was played in four 30-minute periods, saw the Hokies dominate play from the opening whistle, as the team was able to produce several early opportunities in front of goal.

Despite several chances early on, it took until the 28th minute of the match to put the Hokies on the board. Freshman Brandon Eaton collected a ball near the top of the box, and after beating his defender, the Chesapeake, Va. native was able to slip the ball past the Flames’ goalkeeper to put the Hokies up 1-0.

After playing it close in the first period, Tech was able to gain separation from Liberty in the second period. In the 43rd minute, freshman Leon Ungewickel headed in a David Clemens cross to put the Hokies up 2-0.

Virginia Tech continued its attacking onslaught in the 53rd minute, when a Daniel Lauretano corner kick caused some confusion in the box leading to an own goal by Liberty to put Tech up 3-0.

The Hokies continued to put pressure on the Liberty defense adding another goal in the third period. Sophomore Kai Marshall collected a pass from freshman Daniel Amar and slid the ball past an outstretched Flames keeper to make the score 4-0.

Tech would add one more goal in the final period of the match. After the Liberty keeper failed to clear the ball, junior Cameron Owens cooly collected the ball and hit it into a vacant net.

Overall, 25 different players saw playing time against the Flames.

The Hokies travel to Radford, Va. on Aug. 24 to take on Radford University. Game time is set for 6 p.m.