WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Georg Zehender didn’t realize what a good soccer team he had joined. Newly arrived at Virginia Tech this fall from his native Germany, he was still dealing with the simple necessities of life in Blacksburg, namely, speaking English. It may have diverted the midfielder’s attention from the history the Hokies were making on the soccer field, such as a school-record 15 games without a loss and record-tying 14 wins.

But Zehender understands very well that Virginia Tech will play its biggest game in the program’s history Friday, making its debut in the national semifinals.

As one of four first-year European imports on the Virginia Tech roster, Zehender also doesn’t consider himself a ringer, but just another international student taking advantage of a year abroad.

“I am no better than any other player,” said Zehender, who never played in one of the many youth academy programs that exist in Germany. He said the level of play in the NCAA was actually a little bit above what he was accustomed to the university league at home, with players more fit and athletic.

Zehender (four goals, nine assists), his fellow countrymen, junior forward Stefan Hock (five goals, three assists) and junior goalkeeper Markus Aigner (0.98 goals against average), along with English junior Robert Edmans (seven goals, five assists), have been crucial to the Hokies’ success.

Zehender, a graduate student, will finish a master’s degree in health promotion this spring. Hock, Aigner and Edmans, who each technically have one more season of eligibility, also will return home to finish their undergraduate education. Only Edmans has stated a desire to return eventually for a second season with the Hokies.

NCAA Men’s Final Four

Friday in Cary, N.C.

» No. 11 Virginia

Tech (14-3-5) vs. No. 2 Wake Forest (20-2-2), 5, ESPN2

» No. 5 Ohio State (16-3-5) vs. Massachusetts (17-7-1), 7:30, ESPNU