No. 12 Virginia Tech women shut out Miami 3-0

BLACKSBURG, Va. (Via Virginia Tech) – Virginia Tech jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, as the 12th-ranked Hokies shutout Miami, 3-0, in ACC women’s soccer action Saturday night at Thompson Field.

With the win, the Hokies improve to 13-2-1 overall and 5-2 in the ACC, while Miami falls to 5-9 overall and 2-5 in league play.

“A shutout is key for us,” head coach Chugger Adair said. “I think our defense held strong and played well. They controlled a lot of the tempo and defend well.”

Tech got the scoring started early, as Candace Cephers knocked in a pass from Madi Conyers for the Hokies first goal 5:55 into the contest. Tech then pushed the lead to 2-0, as Alani Johnson finished on a pass from Jordan Coburn in the 34th minute.

The match went into the intermission with Tech leading 2-0 and it stayed that way until the final minutes of play. Johnson tallied her second goal of the match on a rebound off a Bria Dixon shot in the 87th minute of play. This is Johnson’s first multi-goal match of her career.

Tech recorded its fourth shutout of the season and second in ACC play. Kaylyn Smith earned her 12th victory of the season in goal for the Hokies, recording six saves. The Hokies out shot the Hurricanes, 13-10, including an 8-1 advantage in the opening half.

“I was pleased that Alani Johnson had the two goals,” Adair added. “And I thought that Sydney Curtis and Jo Coburn played well at center back for us and I’m happy with that, as well.”

The Hokies, playing their first match at Thompson Field in the month of October, continue this three-match homestand on Thursday night, as they host nationally-ranked Florida State. The match, part of Military Appreciation Day, will begin at 7 p.m., and be shown on ESPN3.