Virginia Tech women shut out VCU 3-0

RICHMOND, Va. (Via Virginia Tech) – Virginia Tech recorded its second consecutive shutout with a road victory at VCU, 3-0, in women’s soccer action on Sunday night at SportsBackers Stadium. With the win, the 10th-ranked Hokies improve to 6-0-1 overall, while the Rams fall to 1-4 on the season.

The Hokies posted two goals in quick order in the later stages of the first half, as Alani Johnson scored in the 37th minute, when she tapped in a cross from Bria Dixon. Then, less than a minute later, it was Johnson again, as she scored off an assist from Caroline Kerns. Tech took the 2-0 advantage into the intermission.

In the second half, the Hokies put the game out of reach in the 66th minute. Laila Gray netted her first goal for the season and third of her career to give Tech the 3-0 final margin.

“I was definitely pleased with getting a second shutout in a row,” head coach Chugger Adair said. “It gives us something to build on going forward. I’m very pleased with the win over a good, feisty VCU side.”

The Hokies dominated the stats again tonight. Tech out shot the Rams, 22-7, including 12 first-half shots. Kaylyn Smith went the distance for the Hokies in goal, earning her fifth win and second consecutive shutout of the season. She did not have to record a save in the win.

“We got the two back-to-back goals right before the half that put us in a better spot,” Adair said. “It was good to go on the road and get a good result. We’re looking forward to getting home and recovering from this tough stretch of matches and supporting the football team tomorrow night.”

Tonight’s match concluded a five-match-in-nine-day stretch for the Hokies. Tech returns to the pitch on Thursday night, as they host Davidson. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. at Thompson Field.