Perez, Thiaw score second-half goals to move Tech to 5-0-1 on the season
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Virginia Tech picked up three points to start ACC play with a 2-0 win over Syracuse on Friday night.
Freshman Alex Perez opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a free-kick that he earned, while junior Malick Thiaw added a second, assisted by Marcos Escoe, just two minutes later.
After a first half that saw the Hokies spend most of their time on the front foot, it was the pair of second half goals that moved Tech to 1-0-0 in conference play and 5-0-1 on the season.
Virginia Tech peppered Syracuse early, earning nine corner kicks in the first half, which surpassed their season’s previous game-high of seven. However, the visiting side was only able get away five shots in the first 45 minutes.
To start the second half, substitutes Perez, Thiaw and Escoe caused problems for Syracuse, as the Hokies continued on the prowl.
Quick feet by Perez at the top of the box won the Las Vegas, Nev. native a free kick in a central location. The scoring drought was brought to an end when he struck the set piece with his left foot and curled it into the left side of the net for his first collegiate goal.
Just two minutes later, Tech made it two when Escoe received Cooper Wenzel’s punt, then proceeded to slice his way into the box before delivering a near-post cross to Thiaw, who powered it into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.
Following that second goal, Syracuse ramped up its attack. All four of Wenzel’s saves came in the final 17 minutes of the fixture.
A back line with fresh faces, including Yonis Kireh making his first collegiate start, helped Tech secure its fourth clean sheet of the season, including its second in a row.
The Hokies now have the program’s first ever unbeaten start through six games, as they prepare for another ACC road test against SMU.
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