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Men's Soccer

Toughness defines Hokies' 2020 campaign

BLACKSBURG – The 2020 Virginia Tech men's soccer team embodied toughness as it produced a historic season for the program despite facing never before seen obstacles.
 
A No. 1 draft pick, the conclusion of a stellar career, a fifth-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, and academic success highlighted a campaign that lasted nearly nine months.
 
MLS DRAFT
Sophomore Daniel Pereira became the first Virginia Tech men's soccer player to go No. 1 overall in the MLS Draft. He joined Michael Vick and Bruce Smith as the only Hokies ever to achieve the feat across any sport in Virginia Tech Athletics. 
 


 
Pereira, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, was selected by Austin FC in January, becoming Austin's first ever selection ahead of its inaugural season competing in the MLS. The midfielder was immediately cast into a starting role and has played an integral part in its hot start to league play.
 
Joining Pereira in a transition from Blacksburg to professional soccer was Kristo Strickler, a four-year starter that was selected No. 30 overall in the 2021 MLS Draft by the Houston Dynamo. 
 
Strickler remained with the team during its spring portion of the schedule and provided a spark for Tech once he was integrated back into the lineup. This was never more apparent than on April 2 when the Hokies snapped a four-game losing skid against No. 15 North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with a goal from Kristo Strickler. 

NCAA TOURNAMENT
The 1-0 victory against the eventual College Cup semifinalist North Carolina triggered a three-match unbeaten run for Virginia Tech that secured a fifth NCAA Tournament appearance for the team in as many seasons.
 
With that postseason appearance, head coach Mike Brizendine grabbed the record for most NCAA postseason appearances by a head coach in program history. 
 
The Hokies were not in the tournament just to check off a box, however. In the second round, Jacob Labovitz scored a header as time expired in the first overtime period against No. 15 Oregon State to send the Hokies to the Sweet Sixteen.
 


 
Virginia Tech faced No. 6 Seton Hall in the Round of 16 match and battled for 110 minutes with the help of a Nick Blacklock brace, ultimately falling in penalty kicks, 7-6. 
 
AWARDS
Throughout the season, the squad accumulated recognitions for its success both on and off the field.
 
Pereira was named ACC Midfielder of the year, while he and Strickler earned first-team All-ACC honors. Labovitz's efforts on the pitch earned him third-team All-ACC recognition. Pereira was also deemed the Virginia Tech Male Athlete of the Year for his performances in the fall, which include the game-winning goal against UVA in November. 
 


 
Kahlil Dover was named the male recipient of the Skelton Award, the highest honor a Virginia Tech student-athlete can receive. It applauds academic, athletic, and service achievements by student-athletes. Dover is the fourth men's soccer player to receive the honor and the first since Nick Smirniotopoulos (2013-14).
 
The Hokies had an impressive showing in the classroom, as well, notching a 3.12 cumulative team GPA. Twenty-one members of the team were named to the Virginia Tech academic honor roll in 2020 and goalkeeper Matt Zambetti was recognized as a scholar-athlete for his 4.0 GPA.
 
Virginia Tech men's soccer looks forward to the fall, as it will battle for another NCAA Tournament appearance and ACC success in front of the Hokie faithful at Thompson Field.