Hokies, Irish take to pitch Friday night

Tech welcomes No. 1 team in the nation to Thompson Field

September 22, 2017

	1	2	F
(1) Notre Dame (6-1)	0	1	1
Virginia Tech (4-4)	1	1	2
Thompson Field - 1,526 Box Score Photo Gallery

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech men’s soccer is set to host the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an ACC tilt on Friday night at Thompson Field. The game can be seen on ACC Network Extra, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

The Hokies are paced by senior forward Marcelo Acuna, who has collected four goals and eight points on the year, both team highs. On Tuesday, Tech recorded a home victory against Davidson with Acuna on the score sheet and the game-winner scored by Kristo Strickler in the 81st minute. The goal was the first of Strickler’s career. The freshman has been involved in all seven matches in 2017, starting the last four.

Last season, Notre Dame was also ranked No. 1 in the nation when they matched up against the Hokies. The Irish went on to win the match 4-1.

The Fighting Irish (6-0) come into the game as the nation’s top team, according to the latest United Soccer Coaches poll. Notre Dame is outscoring their opponents 13-3 for the year. They are paced by senior forward Jon Gallagher, with five goals for the season. Fellow senior Jeff Farina has four markers of his own, while junior defender Felicien Dumas leads the club with five assists.

In goal, Chris Hubbard has compiled a 0.49 goals against average the best in the conference.

Notre Dame’s last contest was Tuesday night against Bowling Green. The Irish earned a 2-1 victory through Thomas Ueland’s 77th minute goal.

GAMEDAY INFO
There will be inflatables for young fans on the practice field prior to kickoff beginning at 5:30. Early arriving fans will receive a pair of Virginia Tech goalie gloves and following the match, the men’s soccer team will sign posters for fans. As always, admission to Thompson Field is free.

PARKING INFO
Due to Friday’s Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame induction event at the Indoor Practice Facility, parking services plans to close Lot 1 (Cassell Coliseum Lot) at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon. Fans attending the men’s soccer game at 7 p.m. will need to park in Lot 2 (Lane Stadium South End Zone Lot).

Next Up
The Hokies are back at Thompson Field on Tuesday, Sept. 26 for a non-conference matchup with the Longwood Lancers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network Extra.

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