MARCY, N.Y. – The Spartans dropped a tough match on the road to Union (N.Y.) on Saturday, 2-0, in a rescheduled contest for the 2014 CIAO Classic.

The loss moves Castleton's record to 6-8-1 overall (4-2-1 NAC), while the Dutchmen improve to 7-7-1 on the season after the win.

Union pressured the Spartans defense from the opening minutes, and in the 24th minute, the Dutchmen struck first to take a 1-0 lead in the game. Sam Hunter delivered a shot in the box that was blocked, but the Spartans backline failed to clear the ball, allowing Andrew Fontaine to gather the ball and fire a shot that beat Castleton's keeper, Amir Pasic, to make it 1-0 in favor of Union.

The Dutchmen stifled Castleton's attack throughout the first period, allowing the Spartans to make only one shot in the opening 45 minutes of play.

After the break, the Spartans finally gained some offensive momentum when Blake Hart fired a shot towards goal in the 62nd minute, but his effort flew just wide.

Castleton continued to push forward, and in the 64th minute, Bryce Kaler rifled a shot on net that forced Union's keeper, Ryan Carter, to make his first save of the second half.

In the 75th minute, Fontaine grabbed his second goal of the game to double the Dutchmen's lead. The Spartans backline blocked a pair of shots, but Fontaine gained control of the ball and sent in a rocket that flew into the top corner of the net to give Union a 2-0 advantage.

Overall, Castleton was outshot by Union 16-3 and took eight less corners than the hosts in the loss.

Pasic made his second appearance in net for the Spartans, dropping to 1-1 overall after making three saves. Carter picked up his seventh victory and fourth shutout of 2014 with two saves in the contest.

The Spartans return to action on Tuesday when they face Middlebury at Spartan Stadium in a non-conference match at 7 pm.