HARRISONBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech dropped its season-opener, 4-1, to UCLA on Thursday afternoon in its first match of the 2023 Fairfield by Marriott Invitational.
The Hokies were represented on the scoresheet by sophomore Ethan Ballek, who scored in the 63rd minute off an assist from fellow second-year player Ben Fisher. With Tech already trailing, Ballek continued to battle and was able to benefit off a perfectly weighted pass from Fisher to body a defender and slot the ball past the keeper.
Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, the Bruins had already cemented a lead after controlling the first half in opportunities – eventually stealing a late goal in the 44th minute off a corner kick. At the break, UCLA held an 11-5 advantage on shots, including six to one in shots on goal.
Tech carried some optimism into the break despite the score line, as subs such as Ballek and Conor Pugh caused a spark. Pugh had the closest chance of the first 45 minutes when he hustled to block the keeper's clearance and the ball deflected towards the Bruins' goal. A desperate UCLA defender provided the goal-line clearance, however, in a sequence that was put under video review.
Chances at a result were stifled early in the second half, as the receiving votes Bruins squad scored three times in the first 10 minutes with good ball movement on the wings that resulted in finishes from the middle of the box.
Ballek's score at the midway point in the second half signaled a change in momentum, as the likes of Declan Quill, Mayola Kinyua and Theo Drennan registered shots on target.
Of note, Isaiah Byrd, Andy Sullins, Marco Vesterholm and Sergios Feneridis made their first starts for Tech – while Drennan, Fisher, Ethan Hackenberg and Oliver Roche debuted off the bench.
Virginia Tech will be back in action on Sunday at noon against Duquesne in Harrisonburg.
