COLLEGE PARK, Md.  – The Virginia Tech Hokies held a 1-0 lead through 87 minutes of play, but the No. 11 Maryland Terrapins staged a late comeback, scoring two goals in the final three minutes of play, to capture a 2-1 victory in a conference battle on Friday night at Ludwig Field. Clarke Bentley scored the
Hokie goal.

The Hokies (3-6-2, 2-2-0), who led for the majority of play, earned three corner
kicks within the first nine minutes of the game to set an early tone. It was the
third corner that proved to be the magic play, setting up Bentley’s third goal
of the season, off an assist from Charlie Campbell. Bentley’s touch at the 8:46
mark, from within the 10-foot range, gave the Hokies an early 1-0 lead which
they would take with them late into the second half.

Maryland (7-3-1, 3-1-1) then tried to play catch-up with two quick shots and a
corner kick of their own in the 11th minute, but Ethan White’s header sailed
just high of the net. They finished the first period with seven shots,
including one in the final seconds that was blocked by Tech’s defense.

The Hokies, who lead the ACC in corner kicks, collected eight corners in the
first half, compared to Maryland’s three, and finished the period with four
shots.

The ‘Terps built upon the offense they generated late in the first stanza,
earning the first two shots in the second period.  A Maryland corner kick in
the 62nd minute gave Tech a scare, leading to consecutive shots for the ‘Terps,
but both attempts came up empty. The Terrapins controlled the ball throughout
the second half, as the Hokies were only able to gather one shot while facing a
strong wind.

After 16 shots and no score for the No. 11 Terrapins through 86 minutes, and a
game that looked to be a sure win for the Hokies, the Maryland offense came
alive with only minutes to spare to hand Tech a heartbreaking loss.

With the wind behind them, Maryland finally broke the shutout with a corner kick
in the 87th minute, which led to a scramble in the box. Kevin Tangney recovered
the loose ball and then notched his third score of the season to tie the game.
Only one minute later, John Stertzer’s short-range strike found the corner and
gave the Terrapins a 2-1 lead and the eventual win. Stertzer’s game-winning
goal was his second of the season.

“The guys played well and put forth a strong effort tonight,” said Tech’s head
coach Mike Brizendine. “I give Maryland a lot of credit. They scored a great
first goal and with the intense wind, we were unable to relieve the pressure
after that.”

Maryland outshot Tech, 18-5, in the game.

Stefan Caulfield earned his first start of the season in goal, while Brendan
Dunn saw his first action on the field. Caulfield collected six saves in the
game.

The Hokies will return to Thompson Field for a non-conference battle on Tuesday,
Oct. 13, to host the nation’s top-ranked, undefeated Akron Zips for the first
time in program history. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Results will be
available at www.hokiesports.com.