In the ACC opener for both teams on Friday night in Blacksburg, the No. 18 UNC men’s soccer team ripped off its third straight victory with a 3-1 upset over the No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies.

Virginia Tech (4-1, 0-1 ACC) opened the scoring with a goal by Kristo Strickler in the 23rd minute, but UNC (3-1-1, 1-0 ACC) responded by scoring each of the next three goals to take the victory on the road.

Jelani Pieters scored just four minutes after Strickler to tie the game, while Mauricio Pineda put the Tar Heels in front with his goal not long after.

In the second half, Pieters assisted Martin Salas–who scored his first goal of the season to give UNC all the insurance it would need to hang on for the win.

Virginia Tech actually tallied more shots that UNC (16-12) and manufactured plenty of chances late in the game, but the Tar Heel defense held strong.

Up Next:

UNC returns to the pitch on Tuesday, when it hosts Davidson in Chapel Hill. That match is set to begin at 7 p.m.

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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