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BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team picked up an impressive 2-0 win over the West Virginia Mountaineers on Tuesday night.
The Hokies broke open a scoreless game at halftime and finally capitalized on their chances as Som Essomé found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Reece Alexander doubled the lead in the 68th and Tech goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard kept a clean sheet as he made six saves on the night.
The Hokies improved to 5-4-1 (0-3-1) on the season while the Mountaineers fell to 4-6-0 (0-0).
After a physical, back-and-forth game early, the Hokies were able to break the deadlock and settle in early in the second half. Daniel Lauretano played in a curling cross from the left wing as Som Essomé won the header and flicked it to the far post and past the goalkeeper.
It only took 11 minutes for the Hokies to double their lead as Merlin Baus played in a long diagonal ball to a streaking Alexander. Alexander, who was already behind the defense, was able to dribble and lift the ball over the sliding goalkeeper and then place his shot into the side netting to make it 2-0. It was the second goal of the season for Alexander.
Essomé led the Hokies in overall shots and in shots on goal with two. Four Tech players each finished with a shot attempt. WVU held a slight advantage in shots on goal at 6-3 although very few challenged Lundgaard. Tech had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
Virginia Tech, in the midst of playing three of four games on the road, went back and forth with the Mountaineers early as the Hokies held a majority of possession. Merlin Baus took a long range shot in the 17th minute that went to the left of the post. In the 39th minute, Alessandro Mion got on the end of a Merlin Baus free kick but his glancing header also bounced just wide of the goal.
The two teams went into halftime tied 0-0 as West Virginia held a 5-3 advantage in shots and the teams were even 1-1 on corner kicks.
The Hokies will get back to Atlantic Coast Conference play on Friday night at 7 p.m. as they travel to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.
For updates on Virginia Tech men's soccer, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_MSoccer
