Henniker, N.H. - In their first North Atlantic Conference game of the season, the Spartans fell 2-0 to New England College in Henniker, N.H. on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Castleton created nearly as many chances as the hosting Pilgrims, outshot 13-12, but could not convert any of them as NEC's pair of first half goals were enough to sink the Spartans in their opening game of the NAC season.

In the 16th minute Rob Lucas gathered a cross from Manny Arteaga at the top of the 18-yard box. The forward split a pair of Castleton defenders to fire a shot past goalkeeper Nate Koenemann to put the Pilgrims on the board 1-0.

The Spartans surrendered a penalty kick in the 40th minute of play, and Sebastian Andersson slotted the ball home to put the hosts up 2-0 going into the halftime break. 

In the second frame, the Spartans had opportunities but failed to convert. The squad's best chance came on a ball that was crossed to the head of forward Spencer Dandurand. The Spartans' leading goal scorer flicked the ball towards goal, but NEC keeper Robert Millard made a diving save to preserve the shutout.

Millard finished the game with six saves, posting his first shutout of the season in the win. Nate Koenemann made six saves in the loss for the Spartans.

Castleton falls to 3-2-1 on the year and will look to bounce back when they host Johnson St. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Spartan Stadium.