HARRISONBURG, Va. – Marc Hoppler scored in the 84th minute to snap a 3-3 tie as 10th-ranked Virginia Tech edged the Hofstra University, 4-3, at Sentara Park on the final day of the JMU Invitational Sunday night.
Hoppler headed a cross from Nick Blalock past Hofstra goalkeeper Alex Ashton for the game-winner at 83:08.
Tech’s Kristo Strickler (ninth minute) and Hofstra’s Storm Strongin (36th minute) exchanged goals in for a 1-1 halftime tie. But the Hokies (4-0) took the lead in the 51st minute following a handball in the box that resulted in a penalty kick. Jon Ingason converted for a 2-1 lead. Strickler netted his second of the game in the 58th minute to put the Hokies up, 3-1.
Hofstra (2-2), however, stormed back with goals in the 73rd and 74th minutes. Petter Soelberg notched his first Pride goal as he scored off a cross from Jesse Schleeper to make it 3-2. 52 seconds later, Frederik Rieper took a pass from Jason Ramirez and tallied his second of the season to knot things up.
Hoppler headed a cross from Nick Blalock past Hofstra goalkeeper Alex Ashton for the game-winner at the 83:08 mark. Ashton would finish with four saves on the night. Virginia Tech keeper Mathijs Swaneveld had one save for the Hokies.
Hofstra returns travels to College of Charleston for a Colonial Athletic Association game Saturday at 1 p.m.