CASTLETON, Vt. – Castleton's men's soccer team notched its fourth victory of the season on Tuesday, defeating in-state opponents Southern Vermont 1-0 in a non-conference match. 

The Spartans opened the first half by controlling possession and easily moving the ball in open space looking to find the first goal of the game.

In the 21st minute, Castleton had its first opportunity when Spencer Dandurand sent in a cross from the far wing that Dameon Young volleyed towards goal, but the Mountaineers Cody Gross, who came into the game ranked first in the nation with 113 saves, denied the attempt.

The Spartans had another scoring chance with nine minutes remaining in the first half when Paul Phillips sent in a cross from the near side, however, Vinny Addonisio's shot flew right at the keeper for an easy save. 

Castleton finally got on the board with three minutes remaining in the opening period when Blake Hart grabbed his second goal of this campaign. Phillips lofted the ball in front of Hart on the near sideline. The junior forward gathered the ball and delivered a bending shot towards goal that swerved past the keeper and into the net, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes into the second half, Dandurand nearly doubled Castleton's advantage when he received the ball in the box, turned and fired a strike that Gross denied with a terrific diving effort. 

Just 12 minutes later, the Spartans had another quality effort when Justin Hepburn connected with a cross in the box, sending in a header that flew just high of the crossbar.

In the 87th minute, Dandurand dribbled the ball into the middle of the field, sending in a shot from 15 yards out that ricocheted off the crossbar, and after a failed rebound attempt, was gathered by the Mountaineers keeper.

Dan Palker started in net for Castleton, making three saves en route to his fourth victory and second shutout of the season. Gross picked up the loss for Southern Vermont after allowing only one goal with 12 saves in 90 minutes of play.

With the victory, the Spartans improve to 4-6-1 overall (2-1-1 NAC), and they return to action this Saturday when they travel to Johnson St. for a North Atlantic Conference match beginning at 3:30 pm.