BLACKSBURG, Va. - In one of the longest-standing series in Virginia Military Institute men's soccer history, the Keydets traveled down Route 81 Tuesday night for a clash with in-state rival Virginia Tech. The Keydets put together a strong first half defensively, but ultimately fell 2-0 in non-conference action at Thompson Field.

The Hokies got goals from Kai Marshall in the 8th minute and Andre Thomas in the 77th to hold off the visiting Keydets. Thomas had a three-point night as he had the assist to Marshall.

VMI's play in the first half was arguably its strongest of the season as the Keydets limited Tech to just six shots. The Hokies opened it up in the second stanza with 17 attempts to finished the night out-shooting VMI 23-2.

In goal, VMI split time between sophomores Alex Guerra, who made the first start of his career, and Zach Kaplan. The former made two saves in the first half while the latter stopped six Hokie shots. VMI finished the night with nine total saves, including one defensive stop. Virginia Tech keeper Kyle Renfro was not credited with a save.

Coming off Saturday's game with a combined 31 fouls, VMI was whistled just 10 times, and only three in the first half. The Hokies committed 13 fouls in the game, with seven in the first half and six in the second. Two cards were issued, one to a VMI player and one to Virginia Tech's bench. The Hokies were called for offsides on six occasions, while VMI was caught off just once.

Virginia Tech jumped on the board first in the 8th minute as Marshall juked a defender and snuck his shot into the right side. Thomas was credited with the assist on the first goal Virginia Tech has scored on its own since Sept. 20 versus High Point University. The Hokies most recent 

The Keydets played a solid defensive game in the first half, limiting the Hokies to just six total shots. Only five times before tonight's game had the Keydets held an opponent to six or fewer shots in a half of regulation.

Getting the first start of his career and making his second appearance in 2013, Guerra made a pair of saves in the first half. The sophomore was active in clearing the ball as well, particularly during the Hokies pair of corner kicks. VMI earned one corner in the first half and was not credited with a shot.

Virginia Tech turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, taking 17 shots in period, putting eight of those efforts on goal. But the Hokies ran into Kaplan in the second half, who made six saves over the final 45 minutes of action. The defense was also credited with a save after Kaplan made an aggressive move on a breakaway.

The Hokies (4-4-5) got an insurance goal in the 77th minute as Thomas added a marker to his day. Niels Kirch took a shot that was initially blocked, but Thomas collected the rebound and ripped a shot to put the game out of reach for VMI.

The Keydets managed two shots in the second half, both coming from the foot of the team's offensive leader, White, who has a point in four of VMI's last seven games. The senior took two attempts, but did not hit the frame. Tech's Renfro finished the day with zero saves.