No. 11 Virginia Downs Virginia Tech, 3-1

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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Will Bates (Chester, Va.) scored twice, including the game-winner in the 57th minute, to lead the No. 11-ranked Virginia men’s soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Virginia Tech Saturday night in Blacksburg.

“It’s never easy winning on the road but it’s really tough winning on the road in the ACC against your archrival,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “To come back from down a goal on the road shows a lot of character.”

Virginia Tech (3-8-2, 2-3 ACC) got on the board first in the 13th minute when Brendan Dunn scored his first goal of the year off of an assist by Charlie Campbell.

Virginia (8-3-1, 2-3 ACC) countered before the end of the half, as Neil Barlow (Herndon, Va.) scored his team-high fourth goal of the year in the 43rd minute. Barlow’s goal was unassisted and the teams remained tied, 1-1, until the 57th minute.

It was then that Bates headed a loose ball into the top corner of the net to put the Cavaliers up, 2-1.

Bates made it 3-1 Virginia in the 82nd minute, gaining possession of a Virginia Tech turnover and converting a breakaway. For Bates, the two goals were a career-high and were his third and fourth goals of the season.

As a team, it was Virginia’s highest goal output since winning 3-0 at Portland to open the season (Sept. 4).

In goal for UVa, Diego Restrepo finished with three saves. Hokie goalkeeper Stefan Caulfield finished with four saves.

Virginia out-shot Virginia Tech, 11-9, and held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Virginia hosts a non-conference match on Tuesday (Oct. 20) vs. Howard at Klöckner Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.