Hokies go for sixth straight win against No. 7 Louisville

Acuna, Stickler continue good runs of form

October 5, 2017

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team will return to ACC play as they host No. 7 Louisville at Thompson Field on Friday. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m., and the game can be seen on RSN.

The Hokies (7-4, 2-2) are looking to win their sixth straight game for the first time since 2005 following a come-from-behind victory on the road against South Carolina. After the Gamecocks struck first early in the second half, Tech responded with three unanswered goals, including one in the 88^th minute from senior forward Marcelo Acuna, his team-leading eighth of the season. The Gamecocks scored one more late to cut the deficit in half, but Tech’s defense held on to preserve the road victory.

Freshman midfielder Kristo Strickler has collected points in three straight games, bringing his season total to seven, good for second behind Acuna.

Louisville (7-1-2, 3-1) comes into the contest ranked seventh nationally, in the latest United Soccer Coaches poll. The Cardinals most recently defeated No. 12 Duke 1-0 on the road, the lone tally from junior forward Tate Schmitt.

Schmitt has collected five goals and 13 points on the season, both team-highs. Senior midfielder Tim Kubel has four markers of his own.

In goal, Louisville is led by freshman Jake Gelnovatch, who has compiled a 0.85 goals against average and recorded four shutouts, tied for most in the ACC.

Up next:
The Hokies continue ACC play as they travel to Winston-Salem, N.C. to battle Wake Forest on Saturday, Oct. 14. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.

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