CASTLETON, Vt. – The Castleton men's soccer team lost a heartbreaker on Sunday in the 2014 CIAO Classic to MCLA, 3-2. The Spartans had a second half lead, but the Trailblazers responded late with a pair of goals to pick up the victory.

Castleton dominated the early portion of the game, and in the 14th minute, the Spartans were able to capture the first lead when Bryce Kaler grabbed his first goal of the season. Freshman Ndayisenga Van Dame, was making his first collegiate start, provided the service for Kaler by placing a through ball perfectly to the senior midfielder, who knocked the ball into the net giving Castleton a 1-0 lead.

The Spartans controlled the game offensively in the first half, and looked to be going into halftime with a one-goal advantage. However, in the 40th minute, MCLA responded when Kwadwo Kusi chipped a shot past Castleton keeper Dan Palker to tie the game 1-1. Jesse Moore placed a pass out in front of Kusi, allowing him to outrun the Spartan defense. Once Kusi cleared Castleton's backline, he was able to beat Palker for the goal. 

Ten minutes into the second half, the Spartans regained the lead, 2-1, courtesy of a Spencer Dandurand goal. The senior midfielder was able to connect with a Jake Tietgens cross and head the ball into the back of the net for his first goal of the season. 

With the lead, the Spartans attack continued to push forward, and looked to be in control of the game, while also stifling MCLA's offense. However, that all changed in the 74th minute when Edward Boateng injected some life into the Trailblazers with his equalizing goal.

After a defense lapse by Castleton, MCLA was on the counter with Dylan Pereira receiving the ball and only having the keeper to beat. Pereira took his chance, and Palker was able to knock the ball, making the save. However, the ball rolled to the Trailblazers Boateng who lofted his shot into the top corner of the net, tying the game at two.

Just two minutes later, MCLA went in front when Pereira's shot found the back of the net. With possession on the left wing, the sophomore midfielder dribbled past a defender and into the box where he was able to get open and fire his shot into the upper corner of the net, sealing the 3-0 victory.

Statistically, Castleton dominated the game, forcing MCLA into 14 fouls and giving up five corner kicks. The Spartans also outshot their opponents, forcing the Trailblazers keeper to make six saves. 

With the loss, Castleton drops to 0-3 on the season. The team will return to action on Wednesday when the Spartans travel to Plattsburgh St for a non-conference match beginning at 7 pm.