Collegiate Times

With 10 and a half minutes left to play in the game, sophomore forward Emmanuel Akogyeram's 20-yard laser of a shot looked destined for the back of the net.

Instead, the ball clashed against the opponent's crossbar and was covered up by the goalkeeper seconds later, encapsulating the story of Wednesday night's game for the men's soccer team who lost 1-0 at home to American University.

"We didn't capitalize on opportunities and we had plenty of them," said head coach Michael Brizendine. "I don't know if we'll see that many opportunities in the rest of our season collectively. When you're on top of a team and you get those kinds of opportunities and you can't succeed, it's very difficult especially after last week against Clemson when we had four different players score."

"There were stretches when we played excellently but we make one mistake and it cost us," Brizendine said. "But against the teams we play, if our defense can't play a perfect game, we have the possibility of giving up a goal. I wouldn't say we didn't show up tonight. I would say we didn't show up to give 100 percent."

Despite the final result, the Hokies had a greater presence on the game's stat sheet.

"At least statistically, we outplayed them. Eleven corner shots to none, 14 to six in shots, and they come up with the win."

Senior and junior forwards James Gilson and Clarke Bentley along with junior defender Roman Pieroth led the Hokies with three shots each.

One of Tech's last opportunities to score in the game came with five minutes left to play. Controlling the ball in the opponent's box, Bentley was poised to shoot before coming into contact with one of American's defenders. The touch sent Bentley to the ground and eliminated any chance for a shot.

The home crowd and the Hokie bench and coaching staff immediately implored for a yellow card to be given to the American defender and a penalty shot. The official instead gave the card to Bentley.

"The ref said that he dived and it's up to the ref's interpretation. I can assure you I'm going to watch that play tonight to confirm that's the case. I'm sure (Bentley) embellished it, but he was around the (opposing defender) and he still could've had control of the ball."

The lone goal of the night was scored by Eagle forward Mike Worden, who was assisted by midfielder Daniel Shannon on a give-and-go in the 51st minute. Worden's shot cleared Tech's goalkeeper, senior Brendan Dunn, and hit the left corner of the net.

The goal was one of three shots, all on goal, on the night for Worden. Shannon, who was recently named Soccer America's Team of the Week and is considered one of the frontrunners for the Patriot Conference's Most Valuable Player award, contributed with one shot on goal in addition to his assist.

"He's an outstanding player," Brizendine said of Shannon. "I should know - we recruited him."

Brizendine also praised the opposing team as a whole. The Eagles, 3-3-0, were ranked No. 23 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of American Top 25 poll two weeks ago before losing three of their last four contests.

"I think they're going to compete to win the Patriot conference," Brizendine said. "We didn't even see their top squad tonight - they've been plagued by injuries. Their coaching staff is very good. I have no doubt they'll do well for the rest of the year."

Tech, now 2-3-2 on the season, will play its first home conference game Sunday against No. 15 North Carolina State.

"There's no doubt that we're definitely going to pick ourselves up from this loss," Brizendine said. "Our guys know you have to show up to that game. They're top fifteen in the country. If you don't show up, it's a long night."