No. 2 Duke Opens ACC Tournament Run Against Virginia Tech

DURHAM, N.C. – No. 2 Duke men's soccer (10-2-4) opens the 2024 ACC Tournament on Wednesday evening at Koskinen Stadium, hosting Virginia Tech (7-5-4) at 7 p.m. The Blue Devils claimed the three-seed in the ACC Tournament, following a 4-0 victory over Notre Dame in the regular season finale, earning home-field advantage for the first two rounds.

Parking will be in the Science Drive Garage and open two hours before the match begins. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online.

MATCHUP NOTES

Duke and Virginia Tech meet for the second time this season and the 27th time overall. The Blue Devils improved to 18-4-4 over the Hokies earlier this season, defeating Virginia Tech, 1-0 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Duke is also 1-0-0 against the Hokies in ACC Tournament play, with the lone meeting coming in 2005.
The Blue Devils have won five straight against the Hokies, outscoring Virginia Tech 14-3 over those five matches.
In the previous matchup, Drew Kerr was the hero for the Blue Devils, scoring a goal in the 53rd minute to give Duke a 1-0 advantage. Wessel Speel tallied five saves down the stretch to keep the Hokies off the board and give Duke a 1-0 victory and key three points in the final two weeks of ACC play.

BY THE NUMBERS
250 – Head coach John Kerr collected his 250th career victory on Tuesday evening against Longwood.
14 – Goals scored against Averett at Koskinen Stadium tied a program record for most goals scored in a single contest.
11 – Duke has won 10-plus contests in 11 of the 17 completed seasons under Kerr.
7 – Seven different Blue Devils registered their first career goals in 2024, including five against Averett.
3 – Graduate Adam Luckhurst tallied three goals against Averett netting his first career hat trick in his first game in Koskinen Stadium.

FIRST TOUCH

For the 11th time under head coach John Kerr, Duke men's soccer secured their 10th victory of the season in his 17completed seasons. Kerr also secured his 250th career victory against Longwood at Koskinen Stadium earlier this season.
Sophomore Ulfur Bjornsson continued his historic 2024 campaign, adding his 12th goal of the season against Notre Dame last Friday. The Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, native surpassed his freshman tally in both goals scored and points, tallying 12 goals and three assists heading into the ACC Tournament.
Graduate Wessel Speel has been a brick wall in net for the Blue Devils down the stretch, not allowing a goal to be scored in his last six contests. Duke has remained unbeaten in their last 10 matches, dating back to a 2-1 defeat against North Carolina at Koskinen Stadium, the lone home blemish for the Blue Devils this season. Speel has recorded 40 saves this season and has a goals-against average of 0.99 heading into the first round of the ACC Tournament.
Junior Drew Kerr has been a passing machine during the 2024 season, leading the Blue Devils with nine assists. Kerr has also added five goals to go along with his passing ability on the wing, recording 19 points for the Blue Devils who lead the country in total points with 160 this season.

THE POSTSEASON BEGINS

The best time of year begins for the Blue Devils on Wednesday evening, as the 2024 ACC Tournament First Round kicks off inside Koskinen Stadium. Duke hosts Virginia Tech for the second meeting between both sides in 2024.
Duke is 22-31-6 all-time in the ACC Tournament and 10-10-1 in the first round. As a three-seed, the Blue Devils are 5-7-2 and enter with three tournament titles in the program's history.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMSOC".

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

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