In their third-straight home game to open the regular season, the Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0-2) found a hold off the UNC Wilmington Seahawks (2-1-0) for their first win.
The game remained 0-0 through halftime, with both teams recording a combined 5 shots (4-VT, 1-UNCW) in the first half. Freshman Karlie Johnson broke the deadlock with 19 minutes to go in the second half. Freshman Molly Feighan took a touch on the right side of the box and struck a shot on goal, where Seahawks goalkeeper Caitie Broderick came off her line and deflected the ball away. The deflected ball fell right to Johnson who put the ball in the back of the net.
Then, just seven minutes later, junior Bridget Patch flicked the ball by Broderick on a corner from freshman Emily Gray to record her first goal of the season, the third in her career.
The Seahawks were not done yet, however, as Audrey Harding put one past Mandy McGlynn just 37 seconds later to bring their deficit to one. UNCW kept fighting to try to find that tying goal, but the Hokies were able to hold off the Seahawks for their first win of the season.
The Hokies were much more attack-minded in the second half, recording 14 shots as opposed to the four they put on goal in the first half. The Seahawks did not have great success in the second half, recording just three shots.
Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair said, "I talked to the girls at halftime; I told them to put them under more pressure; I challenged them to get more numbers forward and be more attacking-minded and I think the girls responded well and the goals were deserved."
It was the second goal in two straight games for Johnson, who Coach Adair called, "raw, athletic, dangerous, and someone the other team is going to have to be aware of. She puts herself in front of goal and continues to be dangerous and create for herself and her teammates."
The Shirtless Boys, "the unofficial official fan base of the Virginia Tech Women's soccer team", as they were called during the game, were there in great numbers in the bleachers tonight cheering very loudly, heckling the opponent, and supporting the team. Coach Adair said, "They bring an atmosphere and an environment that helps our game and helps our fanbase. They are always the very last people to leave the field after the game and I know they are always excited for the game."
"It was a difficult game, the girls worked hard, and I'm happy with the result,"Adair said. The Hokies host High Point on Sunday at 5pm at Thompson Field. This will be their fourth home game in a row and the last home game before they embark on a three-game road trip to Alabama, Georgia, and Villanova.
Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
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