Noe Uwimana’s Late Goal Propels Virginia Tech Men’s Soccer Past Boston College

Noe Uwimana’s goal in the 78th minute was the game-winner for Virginia Tech men’s soccer against Boston College on Friday, solidifying a 1-0 win.

With the match still scoreless, Uwimana dribbled around two Eagles (2-3-3, 0-2-1 ACC) defenders beyond the 18-yard box, generating some space. He launched the ball with his right foot into the top left corner of the goal, past Brennan Klein, the sprawling Boston College goalkeeper.

Uwimana, a freshman from Austin, Texas, totaled three assists in his first five collegiate matches entering Friday. Until he hit the net against Boston College, he had yet to take a shot wearing a Virginia Tech (2-2-3, 2-0-1 ACC) uniform. But his first one was special, a game-winning strike that lifted the crowd at Thompson Field to its feet, and it marked Tech’s second straight ACC win.

“I put in a few crosses, and finally I was like, ‘You know what, I gotta take one,’” Uwimana said after the victory. “‘I gotta try.’ And it was great, I was so happy with that.”

Easy night in the office for the #SCTop10 committee 🚀 pic.twitter.com/WarwZQ4yKR

— Virginia Tech Men’s Soccer (@HokiesMSoccer) September 23, 2023

Virginia Tech head coach Mike Brizendine emphasized the importance of clean sheets earlier in the season. He knew the team could score goals, so making it through 90 minutes without conceding was the next step. Friday marked the Hokies’ first shutout since Oct. 4, 2022, which shows they’re making significant progress.

“I’ve been telling everyone that if we could get a shutout, it would be a positive game for us,” Brizendine said. “Look at us now.”

Boston College recorded more shots than Virginia Tech, 9-7, although six of the attempts came in the first half. Both teams had six corner kicks. None of the Eagles’ shots were on target, meaning Hokies goalkeeper Timi Adams, the ACC Defensive Player of the Week, didn’t have to make any saves.

Friday marked Tech’s first clean sheet in conference play since Nov. 3, 2021, an overtime win over — ironically — Boston College.

The Hokies, following a 2-1 win at No. 5 Louisville on Friday, Sept. 15, have consecutive victories for the first time since October 2021. Moreover, they’re unbeaten through three ACC matches for the first time since 2013. 

“I like that we’re continuing to get better. It’s been several weeks since we’ve lost a game, so I’m really happy about that,” Brizendine said. “It helps the mood.”

Much of the Hokies’ newfound success has been a direct result of the team’s freshman class. They have seven freshmen, and though Uwimana was the only one who scored on Friday, many of them have contributed to the team immediately. Forward Oliver Roche leads the team with three goals, while forward Marcos Escoe and Uwimana both have one. 

“It’s a special team, we don’t give up,” Uwimana said. “Even though we had a not-so-great start, we believe that we’re a good team. We’re a special team.”

Up next for the Hokies is a home match against High Point (Sept. 26) and their second ACC road trip of the season to Clemson (Sept. 29).

“We need to recover as quickly as possible,” Brizendine said. “High Point is a very, very good team and if we don’t come with the right mentality, it could be a long night for us.”

Box Score: Virginia Tech 1, Boston College 0