Virginia Tech Hokies men's soccer

History

Oliver Weiss era, NCAA violations

They improved greatly with the arrival of head coach Oliver Weiss in 2000. Under Weiss, Tech has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (second round in 2003, 2005, first round in 2006, and the semifinals in 2007). In the 2007 season, the team achieved its highest national ranking in school history when they reached #4 on October 23. The previous highest ranking was in the 2005 season at eighth in the country. Also, Tech set a new school record with a 15-game unbeaten streak (10-0-5 from September 2 to November 3) during the 2007 season.

The popularity for the team and game attendance has increased since the invitation to the Atlantic Coast Conference and with the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 2008 was by all accounts a rebuilding year, as the Hokies went winless (0-8) in ACC play.

In 2009, Coach Weiss resigned, days before the school self-reported recruiting violations to the NCAA in connection with Weiss allegedly fronting application fees for recruits. Per NCAA rules, paying for a recruit's application fees, even if the recruit repays the loan, is not permitted. Mike Brizendine, a Weiss assistant and former head coach of Bridgewater College, was promoted to head coach to replace him.

Notable events

On September 11, 2011, the Hokies defeated the UNC Tar Heels 1–0 in extra time, making it one of the largest college soccer upsets of the 2011 season. Tech, at the time was unranked, while North Carolina was ranked first in the nation.

Rivalries

Radford

A local derby between the two sides, Virginia Tech regularly plays against the Radford Highlanders men's soccer program.

Virginia

Main article: Virginia–Virginia Tech rivalry

Virginia Tech's major rival in soccer is the Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer program. The two sides have a longstanding rivalry across all sports which translates over to soccer. Generally, matches between the two sides attract larger than average crowds. In the 2005–06 and 2006-07 school years, the program-wide rivalry was called the Commonwealth Challenge. A renewed rivalry competition began for the 2014–15 season, called the "Commonwealth Clash."

Historically, Virginia has dominated the rivalry, leading the all-time series 34-5-7.

Roster

Seasons

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• A10 Standings source
• ACC Standings source
• Big East Standings source

Notable alumni

Main article: Category:Virginia Tech Hokies men's soccer players

• USA Kyle Renfro (2010–2013) – Currently assistant coach with Duke
• NOR Sivert Haugli (2018–2021) – Currently with One Knoxville SC
• VEN Daniel Pereira (2019–2020) – Currently with Austin FC and Venezuela international
• USA Jacob Labovitz (2019–2021) – Currently with Vermont Green FC
• USA Danny Flores (2021–2022) – Currently with Sporting Kansas City

References

References

1. Berman, Mark. (2009-08-25). "Yellow card for Tech as university reports violations to NCAA". The Roanoke Times.
2. (September 11, 2011). "Virginia Tech men top No. 1 UNC in soccer". Charlotte Observer.
3. "Commonwealth Challenge". hokiesports.com.
4. "2024 Men's Soccer Roster". Virginia Tech Athletics.
5. "2013 Virginia Tech Men's Soccer History and Record Book". HokieSports.com.
6. "A10 Men's Soccer Record Book". Atlantic10.com.
7. "ACC All-Time Men's Soccer Standings". Raycomsports.com.
8. "All-Time BIG EAST Men's Soccer Standings". GRFX.cstv.com.