WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Virginia Tech lost 2-1 to Wake Forest on Saturday night at Spry Stadium.
After being reversed on a free kick late in the first half, Ethan Hackenberg tied the game for the Hokies with a header in the 48th minute. However, a Demon Deacons goal in the 73rd minute proved to be the deciding point of the game.
As has been the case in all four of Tech’s losses this season, the Hokies outscored their opponent despite giving up two runs.
After absorbing some early pressure, Virginia Tech gained momentum and created several chances.
Malik Chiau and Hackenberg had the Hokies’ cleanest looks, outscoring Wake Forest 9-5 in the first 45 minutes.
Wake took a free kick in the 42nd minute, and Jose Perez sent a shot into the top left corner of the goal.
The Hokies looked to be reinvigorated in the second half, as Hackenberg forced saves from Wake Forest’s goaltender early on.
Tech’s leading scorer made the most of a set-piece goal, arching a header that sailed over a Wake defender and keeper and into the back of the goal.
After the game was tied, Wake stepped on the gas, but Virginia Tech’s Cooper Wenzel stood strong in the box. Although only two saves were recorded, the senior keeper was dominant off the line on numerous occasions, leading the hosts to victory.
Eventually, the breakthrough appeared, with a perfectly placed ball falling to Wake Forest’s Cooper Flax, who finished cleanly to put the game in front in the 73rd minute.
The Hokies took control in the final 15 minutes, looking for a tying goal, but were unable to score the extra point.
Vilignia Tech will immediately return to ACC play on Friday, Oct. 25, when they host No. 11 Duke at Thompson Field.
