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BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team will play host to ACC foe Pittsburgh on Friday night. The match will also serve as the Hokies’ #PinkStrong event and senior night.

#PinkStrong was created in honor of former Tech goalkeeper Ben Pinkerton, who played for the Hokies from 1998 to 2001 and was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on January 29, 2014. The #PinkStrong campaign is an effort to provide monetary support to Ben, his wife Karla and their newborn son Daniel. Ben has been through months of chemotherapy, two major surgeries and 10 radiation treatments, but the fight continues.

Pittsburgh comes into the match with a 3-7-3 (0-4-1 ACC) record. Dan Prete leads the Panthers offensively with seven points on the strength of three goals and one assist. Kevin Murray (two goals), Hamish Law (two goals) and Cory Werth (one goal, two assists) are next for Pitt with four goals apiece.

The Hokies come into the match with a 7-5 record and a 2-3 mark in ACC play. Sophomore Som Essome leads Tech with 11 points (three goals, five assists) while freshman Ricardo John is right behind him with nine points (four goals, one assist). Freshman Merlin Baus has also contributed eight points (three goals, two assists).

Freshman goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard and senior goalkeeper Ben Lockler have split time for the Hokies this season, posting a combined 53 saves, a 1.31 goals against average and a .771 save percentage.

As well as the #PinkStrong game for the Hokies, Friday’s match against Pitt also serves as senior night. Tech will honor four seniors: players Drew Ranahan and Ben Lockler and student trainers Katie Simpson and Killian Mollner.

Game time is slated for 7 p.m. Live stats will be available for the match.

For updates on Virginia Tech men's soccer, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_MSoccer