BOSTON, Mass. – Solid defense and a timely offensive attack led the UMass Boston Beacons past the Castleton University men's soccer team 5-0 on Wednesday evening at James Cotter Field.

Castleton falls to 4-4-1 overall and suffers its first loss in Little East play as it drops to 1-1-1. UMass Boston improves to 4-6-1 and earns its first league win, moving to 1-0-1.

Keeping the Beacons offense in check throughout much of the first half, the hosts got on the board in the 23rd minute and did not look back. UMass Boston added a second goal at the 38:31 mark before scoring three times in the second half.

The Spartans sought to jump ahead early, putting pressure on Beacon goalie Omar Castro-Dreher almost immediately. Under two minutes into the action, Jacob Godfrey sent the ball in but it was turned away. He added another attempt on the net in the second half, which was saved.

Castleton goalie Alex Fernald made six saves in the loss while withstanding a barrage of 20 shot attempts – 10 in each half – from the Beacons. The Spartans were able to get off six shots throughout.

Men's soccer returns to the pitch at 6 p.m. on Tuesday as it travels back to the New York North Country to face SUNY Canton. The Spartans will return home next at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 as they host conference foe UMass-Dartmouth.

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