Men’s Soccer: Virginia upsets #19 Virginia Tech, 2-1

Virginia keeper Joey Batrouni had 11 saves on the night to preserve a 2-1 win over #19 Virginia Tech on Friday at Klöckner Stadium.

The ‘Hoos (3-4-3, 1-2-2 ACC) broke through in the 42nd minute on a Danny Mangarov free kick from 35 yards out. With a left-footed strike, Mangarov put a sinking attempt on frame that dipped past the goalkeeper and in to give the Cavaliers a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Paul Wiese, in the 55th minute, whipped in a corner from the left side. After taking a deflection, the ball bounced into the path of Albin Gashi, who caught it cleanly and buried his chance in the low corner for a 2-0 lead.

The Hokies (6-3-1, 1-3-0 ACC) would pull a goal back win the 80th minute when Yonis Kireh got on the end of a looping free kick and placed a low header from point-blank range just under the outstretched arm of Batrouni.

Batrouni’s impressive night would prove crucial down the stretch as the Cavalier goalkeeper made a pair of saves in the closing moments to preserve the 2-1 victory.