WATERVILLE, Maine – Castleton's men's soccer team had its perfect start to the North Atlantic Conference season spoiled by Thomas this afternoon, as the Terriers captured a 3-0 victory at Smith Field. 

The Spartans struggled to create any scoring opportunities, producing just four shots with three corners en route to their first conference loss of the year. Castleton now stands at 9-4-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Thomas, on the other hand, turned in an impressive attacking display, becoming the first team this season to score more than two goals against Castleton to improve to 8-4 (4-1 NAC) on the season. 

The Terriers opened the scoring just 42 seconds into the contest when a miscommunication from Castleton's backline led to a goal. Tre Ming delivered a pass near the top of the box that was poorly handled by the Spartans, and Josh Emard took advantage, collecting the loose ball and knocking it home to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Thomas maintained the attacking momentum throughout the opening half, outshooting the Spartans 10-3, but Castleton was able to hold off the opposition to take a one-goal deficit into the break. 

However, the one-goal difference didn't last long after the break, as Willie Clemons found the back of the net in the 50th minute to double the Terrier advantage. Ming chipped a pass over the defense to Clemons, who finished it off the hands of Pasic and into the back of the net, making it 2-0 in favor of Thomas. 

Just over eight minutes later, the hosts tacked on a third score to extend their lead. Clemons was involved in the scoring again after his pass allowed Bohman to find the back of the net and secure a 3-0 Terrier victory.

Amir Pasic suffered the loss for Castleton after recording three saves in 75 minutes of play, while Dan Palker relieved him, played the final 15 minutes in net without facing a shot. Joakim Sternas and Alex Berard, meanwhile, combined to produce a four-save shutout.

The Spartans look to get back to their winning ways on Wednesday at 3:30 pm when they square off with the Middlebury Panthers in non-conference action.