Starting off their season strong, the Spartans men’s soccer team won a tournament championship at SUNY Potsdam.

“We went in saying that if we didn’t win the tournament, it was not acceptable,” said head coach John Werner.

The Spartans were able to take the semi-final victory against Hilbert College by a score of 2-0.

After heading into double overtime, the Spartans were able to come through on top and defeat SUNY Potsdam 2-1. It took until the second half for anyone to score, when CSC’s Spencer Dandurand scored in the 65^thminute, scoring on a rebound in front of the net, giving the Spartans the lead. 

Potsdam responded with a goal in the 88^thminute of play by also scoring on a rebound.

After the first round of double overtime went scoreless, the Spartans took initiative of every scoring opportunity, and CSC’s Dominic Heller was able to grab a ball that was being scrambled in front of the net, and passed it off to teammate Trevor Kotrady who made the ball count giving the Spartans the victory.

“Even though it was a very close game, we dominated a lot,” said Werner.

In net for the Spartans was Nate Koenemann, who was named the tournament MVP, made five saves on the game. Potsdam goalkeeper was Jake Gyder, making six saves. CSC’s Kotrady was also named to the all-tournament team.

The weekends victories gave the Spartans a 2-0 record, which is their first time starting a season at 2-0 since 2001.

Following the tournament was the Spartans home opener last Wednesday against Southern Vermont College. The Spartans blew past the Mountaineer’s by a whopping 7-1.

            “They were a young team,” said Werner, “all of our goals were very nice goals.”

            Contributing to the seven points in the game for Castleton was first year play Danny Favreau with one unassisted, and a cross from Trevor Kotrady. Tanner Lecuyer had a rocket shot which gave the Spartans the third point of the game.

            “(Lecuyers) goal really opened the flood gates,” Werner said.

            Following that goal, Dillon Zaengle gave Spencer Dandurand a long pass from 10 making the connection. Just five minutes after Dameon Young found Kotrady giving him the breakaway goal. Zac Conlogue then got an unassisted goal; his first of the season.

            SVC’s Derek Snow broke up the momentum by scoring over CSC goalkeeper Emmitt Ackerman’s head.

            Conlogue then added one more unassisted goal for his team, leaving them with the victory.

            Splitting time in net for the Spartans was Nate Koeneman who played 74 minutes of the game, making three saves. Emmitt Ackerman then played the remaining 16 minutes with 0 saves. Splitting time in net for SVC was Chris Dunham allowing five goals with eight saves, and Brenden Shea allowing 2 and stopping 2.

            In most recent play, the Spartans defeated SUNY Cobleskill 4-0 in a rainy match up.

“It was a good win on a wet day,” said Lecuyer.

Jake Roswell started off the game with a goal from defense. Teammate Zac Conlogue added a goal, as well as sophomore Bryce Kaler adding two more.

            “We did what we needed to do,” said Werner, “we totally controlled it, now we’re geared up for a big game against Plattsburg.”

            This game improves the Spartans to a 4-0 record. They will travel to Plattsburgh on September 12^th. They return home on the 15^thfor a NAC game against Lyndon State at 7 p.m.