Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- The No. 18 Virginia Tech men’s soccer team (7-2-0) travels to the University of Virginia (4-2-2) for an in-state rivalry match on Friday. The Hokies and head coach Mike Brizendine look to bring home the Commonwealth Clash title for the first time since 2005. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Charlottesville.
Last week the Hokies spilt their matches with a win over Delaware on the road and a heart breaking loss to No. 7 Clemson at home. Tech was able to control the Blue Hens for their sixth shutout while the Tigers pulled away 2-1.
After those two strong showings by Tech, the team moved up a spot in the NSCAA poll to No. 18. The NCAA also released their first RPI of the season, placing the Hokies at No. 14.
Friday’s match will be broadcasted by the ACC Digital Network Extra on the Watch ESPN app. The Commonwealth Cup and the friendly rivalry are sponsored by Virginia 529. The college savings plan is also a proud sponsor of Virginia Tech Athletics.
Scouting Virginia
The Cavaliers are off to a rocky start in conference play going 0-2-1. Virginia has lost to Wake Forest and Louisville on the road. The Hoos faired better at home, drawing against Clemson 3-3. Holding strong against non-conference opponents 4-0-1 kept Virginia in the rankings up until this week of the season. The Hoos feel out of the NSCAA poll, while still receiving votes, after the 6-1 loss to Louisville.
Three players on the team are tied for top goal scorer with three goals a piece. Edward Opoku, Wesley Wade and Sergi Nus lead the Hoos.
The Last Meeting
These two teams have meet a total of 35 times dating back to 1975. Last year, the Hoos were victorious in a 1-0 win on Thompson Field. The Hokies have not won the Commonwealth Clash since 2005 and look to finally bring the title home to Blacksburg. The all-time series remains 30-2-3 with Virginia holding steady.