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It took just five minutes for Virginia Tech to score the opening goal. Syracuse center back Grace Gillard took a heavy touch, relinquishing possession to VT’s Emma Pelkowski. Quickly skipping past a Gillard challenge, Pelkowski curled a shot past Shea Vanderbosch’s outstretched fingertips into the top right corner.

For the rest of the contest, Virginia Tech continued to steadily build on its early advantage while Syracuse failed to answer. Pelkowski added to her tally in the first half and finished with two goals and an assist to lead VT (5-3-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) to a 4-0 win over Syracuse (2-8-1, 0-3 ACC).

Seventeen minutes into the game, SU defender Kate Murphy collided with Lauren Gogal. She did not return to the match. Murphy’s injury was the second hit to an Orange backline in consecutive contests. Three days prior, Kendyl Lauher suffered an injury against No. 3 Florida State.

Grace Franklin, who has received minimal playing time so far this season, was forced to replace Murphy. Alyssa Abramson moved from right to left back, making space for Franklin on the right.

As Virginia Tech continued its unrelenting attack, Syracuse’s dwindling, new-look defense had its hands full. Much like its first two games of conference play, Syracuse lost the attacking battle. Virginia Tech totaled 13 shots to Syracuse’s four and notched four corners to SU’s one in the first half.

The main difference in the contest was due to the Orange’s lack in depth. Virginia Tech featured 22 players during the match while Syracuse fielded just 15. Nine SU players played more than 80 minutes while Gillard, Vanderbosch, Liesel Odden, Ashley Rauch and Kylen Grant played the full 90.

Following a clearance of a VT corner, SU’s Aysia Cobb attempted to break the Hokies’ defensive line on the counter. With pressure closing in on her, she lost the ball to Pelkowski. Caught on the break, Pelkowski threaded a left-footed pass through an out-of-position Syracuse defense.

Natalie Mitchell received the ball at the front of the 18-yard box. One-on-one with Vanderbosch, Mitchell took a right-footed touch to pass the keeper. Her team-best sixth goal of the season gave the Hokies a 2-0 lead.

With 10 seconds remaining in the first half, Virginia Tech increased its cushion to 3-0. Left stranded against Anna Weir in the open field, Gillard tripped, allowing Weir to break free. She beat Vanderbosch to the bottom right corner, capping off a dominant first half.

The second half began much like the first. Two minutes in, Pelkowski capitalized on a whiffed clearance from Mitchell.

Pelkowski ripped the ball with her left foot to the right side and Franklin deflected the effort even further away. Screened by Franklin, Vanderbosch didn’t see enough of the ball to clear it from the goal line, giving Pelkowski her second score of the day.

Now leading 4-0, the Hokies emptied out their bench for the remaining 43 minutes.

Published on September 24, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky