SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson battled back from one-goal deficits on separate occasions, including a 76th minute equalizer from Jaylen Thompson, to earn a well-deserved 2-2 (2ot) draw against No. 10 Virginia Tech Tuesday at Alumni Stadium.

Now unbeaten in eight of their last 10, the Wildcats move to 8-5-2 overall, while the Hokies are 9-4-3.

After Davidson threatened early, Virginia Tech grabbed a 1-0 advantage at the 17:58 mark on Jakob Bluemler’s first of two goals in the contest, a rebound off his own blocked attempt.

The Wildcats had multiple-scoring chances in the opening half, but were unable to convert as Tech’s Mathijs Swaneveld came up with impressive saves, including a diving stop on Jamie DiLuzio’s rip from about 20 yards out.

In addition, Davidson had a pair of shots carom off the post. DiLuzio hit the woodwork with just over five minutes left in the first half, while Thompson pinged the frame in the 53rd minute.

Freshman Henry Howell evened the score 1-1 when he converted from the penalty spot for his team-leading fifth goal of 2018.

Less than 90 seconds later, the Hokies retook the lead when Bluemler put away a cross from James Kasak.

Thompson, who led both teams with five shots, finally broke through and knotted the score with an unbelievable left-footed strike from outside the box that curled inside the far post.

Davidson finished with an 18-15 (10-8 SOG) edge in shots, while Tech attempted one more corner.

Up Next
Davidson will conclude its regular-season home slate Saturday when George Mason visits 1992 Team Field for a 7 p.m. “Senior Night” contest.

Postgame Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Tonight’s game was a lot of fun. Win, lose or draw I would have been happy as we played well, we fought, and we stuck together.

Since this is late in the season stuck between sticky A-10 Conference games, we spread the minutes around to 20 guys.

It was really nice to see Tanner as a senior in the starting line-up.

Another good story was Finnur as this was his first extended minutes and he held up well against an ACC team.

Virginia Tech is a strong squad – currently #8 RPI – and I really feel like we matched up well.

We certainly got better as the game went on, and were perhaps a bit unfortunate to not get the win after hitting the post a few times.

Jackson is a feisty handful so it’s not a surprise he drew the penalty kick.

I was curious who would step up to take the penalty kick, as our normal takers were not in the game at the moment. Henry has a ton of confidence as a freshman – I honestly did not know to which side he was going to hit it!

Jaylen’s goal had a ton of class. He is such a threat to beat teams with his speed and his decision to cut inside and unleash the laser with his left foot in to the corner was brilliant – we had the best view from the bench.

Lots of other players played well including Mateo, Quinn, Charlie and as always our leader Jordan. Plus I am happy for Virginia native Saywer to play well and be part of a good result against a ranked ACC team.