September 2, 2006

Box Score

VT 2, St. John's 1

 

QUEENS, N.Y. - Playing under a constant rain, the Virginia Tech men's soccer team earned a huge 2-1 road victory Friday night over St. John's in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams.

Sophomore Patrick Nyarko's third goal of the young season came just 23 seconds into the second half and proved to be the game-winner. Junior Marcus Reed scored his second of the season in the first half for Tech (3-0-0), while freshman goalkeeper Brendan Dunn earned the win in the first start of his career.

"The team played very well today," head coach Oliver Weiss said. "We did an outstanding job of being disciplined, and it was a great win for us in a big-time atmosphere for college soccer."

The win was significant, as it marked just the 11^th time the Red Storm were dealt a defeat on their home turf in the last 16 seasons.

"It's just a great place to play," Weiss added. "It's like going to see a football game anywhere else. They've got the band, the crowd - they really roll out the red carpet here."

Reed opened the scoring in the 37^th minute when he ripped a Charlie Campbell pass by BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week Jason Landers, who made four saves on the night. It was the first goal given up by the Red Storm (2-1-0) all season.

Just as he did in the UMBC game, Nyarko struck quickly before the defense knew what hit them. His eventual game-clincher game just 23 seconds after the intermission following a steal and dish from senior Eric Vickers.

Despite Nyarko's team-leading third goal, Weiss insists the win was a total team effort.

"We don't really have a star," he explained. "Everyone thinks Patrick is the star, but he's always just in the right place at the right time. What's important is that we are improving as a team."

The lone Red Storm goal came in the 54^th minute on a penalty kick by Brazilian freshman Tadeu Terra. It was one of just a few strong scoring chances allowed by the Tech defense, which only needed Dunn to make two saves in his 90 minutes between the pipes.

"Dunn did a really good job," Weiss said. "But Brent Dillie really anchored the defense and Ben Nason did an outstanding job of winning balls."

"Obviously the penalty kick made the rest of the game very interesting," Weiss concluded. "But I'm proud of our guys. We did a superb job of winning loose balls and dominating the midfield, and we were very organized in the back."

The Hokies open their home schedule on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Tribe of William & Mary.