Spartans go 1-1 in recent play
In most recently play, the Spartans have gone 1-1, defeating Plymouth State before falling to New England College, each by a score of 2-1.
Castleton outshot the Panthers 25-13, but it took them 20 minutes to get past Plymouth goalkeeper Bjorn Ohlsson when Tanner Lecuyer took advantage of an indirect kick just inside the box.
“Our first half was in particular the best we have played,” said John Werner, “It was a brilliant performance.”
The Spartans had the lead at halftime, but just five minutes into the second half, Bryce Kaler took a shot that deflected off a Plymouth defender inside the box.
Though Plymouth’s Joss Knol came back to score one, it wasn’t enough to give his team the victory. This game was also coach John Werner’s 100th win since being head coach at Castleton.
Spartan goalkeeper Nate Koenemann made seven saves, while Ohlsson had eight.
Following this game, Plymouth fell to 2-6.
This past Saturday, the Spartans traveled to Henniker, N.H. for a NAC matchup against New England College, which did not end in their favor.
“Our team has been really good about bouncing back after losses,” said CSC’s Ian Hunter. “We have a really talented team this year, probably the most talent I’ve seen in my four years here.”
The Pilgrims netted two quick goals in the first five minutes, as they took advantage of Castleton’s weak start.
“We paid the price for a slow start, especially difficult to come back on such a small field,” Werner said.
NEC’s Rob Lucas one-timed a pass right past CSC’s Nate Koenemann. Just minutes later, Zak Harris got his head on a corner taken by Lucas scoring the second goal. Later in the half, Castleton came back to score one, when Kaler took a free kick which deflected off of teammate Dillon Zaegle. The rest of the game went back and forth as neither team broke down to allow any more goals.
In net for NEC was Robert Millard who had 16 saves, and Koenemann who had two.
The loss dropped Castleton to a 6-2 record and is now 1-1 in conference play.
“We are thinking this season comes down to NAC or bust,” Hunter added.
The Spartans will travel to North Adams, Mass. to face off against MCLA on Sept. 26.