Hokie ClubSYRACUSE, N.Y. – Enduring the wintry temperatures of upstate New York on Thursday night, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team closed the regular season in victory as the Hokies outlasted Syracuse, 2-1, at SU Soccer Stadium.
Senior midfielder Emmalee McCarter delivered the goal that sent Virginia Tech (11-5-2, 5-3-2 ACC) on its winning course during the 21st minute. Led by Emily Gray's short-field counter, McCarter held the right flank until Gray drew all trailing defenders, setting McCarter up for the routine, one-on-one finish.
With her assist on McCarter's first goal of the 2021 season, Gray notched her 75th career point, moving into a tie for second place on Virginia Tech's all-time points list with Kelly Conheeney (2009-13).
Threatening on several first half occasions, Tech managed to double its lead during the 36th minute when Sophie Maltese recorded her third goal of the season. Tori Powell chased down Avery Tharrington's forwarding pass inside the right corner before crossing to the middle of the box, where Maltese used two touches to work her attempt around goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx.
Syracuse (4-12-1, 0-10-0 ACC) caught a fortunate break after halftime, scoring a fluke goal off Tech keeper Alia Skinner to trim the Hokies' lead to 2-1. With Skinner looking upfield, Meghan Root jumped in front of Skinner's backfield pass, blocking her kick towards the Orange's net for a breakaway finish.
As the second half progressed, physicality between Tech and Syracuse steadily increased while the Orange actively searched for the equalizer. In the aftermath of two violent challenges, Tharrington was carded twice for dissent and sent off during the 86th minute.
Allie George and Lauren Gogal had also been cautioned earlier during the second half as part of the Hokies' four-card night.
Tech accumulated the 16-13 advantage in total attempts (12-6 on target).
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Despite its victory on Thursday, Virginia Tech finished the ACC regular season in sole possession of eighth place – one point shy of the two-way tiebreaker that determined the sixth and final league tournament position. The Hokies will turn their sights onto the NCAA tournament selection show, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 8, at 4:30 p.m.