The Castleton men’s soccer team destroyed St. Joseph’s College of Vermont 14-0 on two separate hat-tricks from senior Josh Costa and freshman Nick Hallett. Castleton was up 5-0 just 14 minutes into the match after Costa finished his three strikes and sophomore Trevor Kotrady sent home two of his own. The lop-sided score was not the result of bad blood between the two teams, according to head coach John Werner.

“The reserves started playing 75 out of the 90 minutes,” said Werner. “You can’t tell them not to get out there and not score and not do their best.”

The Spartans’ bench joined the starters in scoring and controling ball possession for the remainder of the game. Sophomore Billy Lund scored next, followed by a pair from Hallet, giving way to a Zac Conlogue score in the 43rd minute of the first half. This put the Spartans up 9-0 at the break.

Junior Sean Leggett scored two big goals and Hallet finished his hat-trick in the second half. They were joined by freshmen John Kendall and David Devost in the scoring column.

Keepers Andy LaCroix (two saves) and Nate Koenemann combined for the shutout as Koenemann made three saves in the second half.

With the win, Castleton finishes its regular season 13-5 and will enter the North Atlantic Conference playoffs as the number one overall seed.

“It’s been a really good season,” said Werner. “It’s a great group of guys that represent the college well.”

Werner continued to speak about the youth on the team, saying that only five of the 11 starters are upperclassmen.

“Those seniors are very good,” said Werner with a laugh. “If Costa isn’t conference player of the year it would be a travesty.”

And is this talented number one seed ready to do damage in the NAC tournament?

“Absolutely,” said Werner. “We’ll be disappointed if we don’t win the tournament. Nothing’s for granted in soccer, but I like our chances and our guys.”

Castleton receives a first-round bye and will host the winner of the Lyndon State and Maine Maritime quarterfinal game on Saturday Oct. 30.

“Lets put it this way,” added Werner. “This team ranks right up there with the best [teams] since I’ve been here.