The Virginia Tech women's soccer team took down Arkansas 1-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament om Friday afternoon.
After both teams failed to score in regulation, junior Jordan Hemmen headed a corner from Emily Gray to the back corner to give the Hokies the golden goal they needed in the second overtime period.
First team All-ACC goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn singlehandedly kept the Hokies in the game for much of the first half. Arkansas outshot Virginia Tech 6-1 in that first half, and they forced three saves from McGlynn. She was up to the challenge, though, as she maintained a clean slate.
In the second half, the Hokies came out with some energy. They almost got burned on a counter attack in the 55th minute, but Arkansas banged one off the post, and McGlynn cleaned up the rebound.
Tech did create a lot more offense in the second half as they totaled 6 shots. Arkansas fired another 6 shots as well, bringing their total shot lead to 12-7 in regulation.
In the first overtime period, Arkansas again put some pressure on the Hokies. After back to back saves from McGlynn, Tech's Jordan Hemmen nearly ended the game, but she banged one off the crossbar.
The second overtime period was much prettier for the Hokies. They created a lot of offensive chances early, and they earned a corner in the 106th minute due to their hustle. Emily Gray sent in a beautiful ball, and Hemmen had her chance to redeem herself.
This time, she was not going to let it go by the wayside. Hemmen headed the ball beautifully to the back post and gave the Hokies a 1-0 victory.
This game marked Mandy McGlynn's 10th shutout on the season. She totaled 9 saves on 14 total shots from Arkansas in the contest.
Hemmen was active for the Hokies on offense, and she deservedly got the game winner. It was her fourth goal this season and by far the most important.
The Hokies move on to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2013. Virginia Tech will face 1-seed North Carolina at 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
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