TicketsSept. 4, 2011
BLACKSBURG, Va. - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to host Virginia Tech in the finale of the Hilton Garden Inn Invitational on Sunday afternoon at Thompson Field.
The Bearcats (1-2-0) fell behind in the fifth minute when Mikey Minutillo finished from 10 yards on a ball from Ben Strong.
The Bearcats regrouped and pressured the Virginia Tech (1-2-0) backline, outshooting the Hokies, 5-3, in the first half.
Freshman Emmanuel Appiah (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville Central) knotted things at 1-1 in the 61st minute. The midfielder sent a shot from 30 yards that rattled off the crossbar and in for his first career goal.
Cincinnati continued to apply the pressure and seemed on the doorstep of the go-ahead goal. A couple of sparkling saves from Hokie goalkeeper Kyle Renfro kept VT alive.
In the 82nd minute, a foul in the box was called, awarding a penalty kick to the Hokies. Robert Alberti converted for the game-winner.
The Bearcats outshot the Hokies, 13-7, but finished the two-match Hilton Garden Inn Invitational without a win.
Senior defender Sam Klosterman (Belleville, Ill./Belleville West) and Appiah were named to the all-tournament team following the tournament.
The Bearcats open the home portion of the 2011 schedule on Friday, Sept. 9, against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Gettler Stadium.