Hokies prepared for matchup with Air Force

Tech set to host First Round of NCAA Tournament

November 15, 2017

	1	2	F
Air Force (14-3-3)	0	0	0
Virginia Tech (10-9)	0	2	2
Thompson Field - 440 Box Score Photo Gallery

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament against Air Force on Thursday, Nov. 16. The game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.

The Hokies (9-9, 3-5)
The Hokies punched their ticket into the 48-team field for the second consecutive season Monday afternoon via an at-large selection by the committee. Tech boasts the fourth-toughest schedule in the nation as well as an RPI ranking of 22.

Tech has faced plenty of elite competition, having played 11 games against teams in the field in 2017, owning wins over the 12-seed Notre Dame and NC State. In fact, all of Tech’s losses have come at the hands of tournament-bound opposition.

The Hokies have had a historic week, as the ACC announced two Tech players included on the All-Conference First Team for the first time in program history last Tuesday. Seniors Marcelo Acuna and Ben Lundgaard each were recognized for their stellar play on the field.

Acuna leads the Hokies in scoring for the second straight season, with 24 points from 11 goals and two assists. His five game-winners are tied atop the ACC for the best mark in the conference.

Lundgaard owns the most saves in the league and has registered five shutouts. His 22 career clean sheets are the second-most in school history.

The Falcons (14-2-3, 8-0-2)
Air Force won the WAC regular season title, however, it fell in the conference tournament to San Jose State its last time out on the pitch.

The Falcons’ RPI sits at 27 and the latest Coaches’ Poll has them ranked 12^th.

Air Force’s strength lies in the defensive unit which has only allowed 10 goals all season. John Wendt has seen the most time in goal, owning a 0.65 goals against average and compiling six shutouts in 13 games played.

In the attacking third, look for the ball to be at the feet of junior forward Austin Dewing, who paces the squad with seven goals and seven assists. In midfield, Tucker Bone has proven to be dangerous, providing seven assists of his own and finding the net five times in 2017.

The Series
Thursday’s meeting with be the first between the Hokies and Falcons on the soccer pitch.

Ticket Information
Tickets to Thursday’s game can be purchased at the entrance to Thompson Field beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Adult tickets are $10, while youth and Virginia Tech and Air Force student with a valid ID are $5.

On Thursday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the first 50 Virginia Tech students with a Hokie Passport can pick up one free ticket at the Lane Stadium ticket office.

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