Next Game: Rice 9/2/2018 | 7 p.m. CT SECN+

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama soccer team used a first-half goal coupled with a stifling defense to register a shutout and secure a 1-0 win over ACC foe Virginia Tech at the Alabama Soccer Complex Thursday night.

"Virginia Tech is a tough team, head coach Wes Hart explained. "We knew it was going to be a low scoring affair, and I am proud of our group for fighting to get a goal. It is an own goal, but we will take the goal, and take the win."

The first 15 minutes of the game resulted in a near stalemate, with both teams holding the ball for the same amount of time. The lone score came courtesy of a Virginia Tech own goal in the 16th minute of the game. Sophomore Taylor Morgan directed a shot towards the goal, and the ball found its way in the net.

Following the goal, Alabama found itself on its heels a majority of the time up until halftime, but managed to keep Virginia Tech off the scoreboard thanks to a strong defensive effort from goalkeeper Alex Plavin . The sophomore registered three saves en route to the clean sheet.

The final five minutes featured a flurry of possession changes, shots and corner kicks, but Alabama maintained the edge. Despite being outshot 10-6 overall, including a 6-4 to margin in the second half, the Tide was able to clear the ball out of harm's way or get a big save to secure the win.

Alabama returns to action on Sunday, as it hosts Rice. The Tide and Owls are scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff. The contest can be seen on SEC Network + and will be played at the Alabama Soccer Complex. Admission is free for all fans.

Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaSoccer on Twitter and Facebook and AlabamaSoccer on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.