RUTV: GRANDE STRIKES TWICE TO LIFT MEN’S SOCCER OVER VIRGINIA TECH, 2-1

Tuesday, October 25

RADFORD

6:00

Radford University

Virginia Tech

RUTV: GRANDE STRIKES TWICE TO LIFT MEN’S SOCCER OVER VIRGINIA TECH, 2-1

10/25/2011 7:57:00 PM | Men's Soccer

BOX SCORE

RADFORD, Va. – Luis Grande (Caracas, Venezuela / U.E. Colegio Los Arcos) netted a pair of first-half goals to lead Radford to a 2-1 win over New River Valley rival Virginia Tech in men's soccer action Tuesday evening in front of 2,148 fans at Cupp Stadium.

With their second straight win over the Hokies at home, the Highlanders improve to 8-7-0 overall. Virginia Tech falls to 4-10-2 on the campaign.

Just 2:03 into the contest, Grande put the Highlanders on the board with a low drive from just outside the 18-yard box that deflected through the legs of Virginia Tech keeper Kyle Renfro.

Grande's second goal of the evening and third in the last two contests came in the 19th minute when he put away an Iyiola Awosika (London, England / Aylesbury Grammar) shot that caromed off the far post.

Shortly after Grande's sixth goal of the season, Virginia Tech cut the deficit to 2-1 on a Ben Strong header off a long throw by David Fiorello that was flicked on by Drew Ranahan.

In addition to his first-half assist, Brian Gwanzura (Harare, Zimbabwe / Harare) had a couple of chances from just in front of goal.

The Highlanders, unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 at home, outshot Virginia Tech, 14-6, and finished with a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Renfro led both goalkeepers with five saves, while Ryan Taylor (Midlothian, Va. / Midlothian) stopped one for the Highlanders.

The Highlanders will conclude their 2011 home slate Saturday evening with a 6 p.m. “Senior Night” match against Gardner-Webb at Cupp Stadium.