JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE - Virginia Tech (3-2-3) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over ETSU (0-5-3) on Monday evening, with Dagur Traustason's 29th-minute goal proving the difference in a tightly contested match at Summers-Taylor Stadium before 1,247 fans.
The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Traustason, who had entered as a substitute just moments earlier, found the back of the net with a well-placed header off an assist from Noe Uwimana. The goal marked Traustason's first of the season and proved to be the only breakthrough in a defensively disciplined contest.
The first half was marked by early drama when ETSU's Henrique Cruz received a straight red card in the 10th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Despite being reduced to ten men, ETSU's defensive organization remained solid. Virginia Tech's Colin Beutel tested ETSU goalkeeper Emil Holmberg in the 9th minute with a low drive, while Alex Perez sent an effort high over the bar in the 10th minute as the Hokies looked to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
The second half saw Virginia Tech continue to press their advantage, with Amir Ariely forcing another save from Holmberg in the 49th minute. ETSU showed remarkable resilience, with Stanley Isaac and Ryan Suckling leading several promising counterattacks. The Hokies' Tito Peralta, introduced as a 76th-minute substitute, nearly doubled the lead with a powerful strike that Holmberg did well to save in the 84th minute.
Virginia Tech dominated the statistical battle, outshooting ETSU 19-5, with eight shots on target compared to ETSU's single attempt. The Hokies also held a slight edge in corner kicks (4-3). The match saw five cards shown, including Cruz's red card for ETSU, while Pablo Ramirez, Gabriel Betancourt, and Ryan Suckling received yellows for the home side. Virginia Tech's Beltran Alvarez was also cautioned in the 83rd minute.
ETSU goalkeeper Emil Holmberg turned in a stellar performance despite the loss, making seven crucial saves to keep his team in the match. For Virginia Tech, Sam Joseph recorded one save to secure the clean sheet. The Hokies' midfield trio of Noe Uwimana, Ugo Bertelli, and Harrison Krieg controlled the tempo throughout, while ETSU's Ingvar Kolbjornsen showed impressive defensive resilience in the face of sustained pressure.
Tactically, Virginia Tech head coach Mike Brizendine's side adapted well to having the extra man, maintaining possession and creating opportunities through patient build-up play. ETSU's defensive organization, particularly after going down to ten men, demonstrated impressive discipline and coordination, forcing the Hokies to work hard for their victory.
The win extends Virginia Tech's unbeaten streak to one match following consecutive losses to Boston College and Stanford, while ETSU's search for their first win of the season continues. The Buccaneers' defensive performance, despite the result, showed promising signs for head coach David Casper's squad.
Virginia Tech's ability to manage the game after taking the lead, particularly in the final twenty minutes when ETSU pushed for an equalizer, ultimately proved decisive. The Hokies' game management and defensive solidarity, led by their experienced backline, ensured they would return to Blacksburg with all three points.
Both teams now turn their attention to conference play, with Virginia Tech traveling to Notre Dame for an ACC clash on October 3rd, while ETSU prepares to host UNC Greensboro in Southern Conference action on October 4th.