DUDLEY, Mass. – The Castleton men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime at Nichols College Tuesday afternoon.
 
Neither side could break through in the first half as both goalkeepers stood tall. Andres Soto-Burgos made a pair of saves while Luke Speers stopped all four Spartan shots directed his way. An offensive explosion in the 70th minute would change the complexion of the match.
 
Nichols (4-2-0) struck first in the 70th minute as Nicholas McGrath scored on a free kick from 25 yards out. Castleton (2-5-0, 1-0-0 LEC) answered seconds later as Adolphe Alfani netted his third of the season off a centering pass from Trevor Walker-Clayton. Alfani, in just his second year, leads the team in goals and has tallies in consecutive contests. He nearly put the Spartans on top in the 72nd minute with a shot that hit the crossbar.
 
The non-conference foes would need overtime to settle things. Castleton held an advantage in shots on goal heading into the extra period, but the Bison needed just 24 seconds to claim a 2-1 victory. Nathan Salamon was credited with game-winner, sending a rocket just inside the left post, out of reach for a diving Soto-Burgos.
 
Soto-Burgos, who shutout Southern Maine in his most recent start, finished with seven saves.
 
The Spartans return to Dave Wolk Stadium Saturday, September 25 for a Little East Conference match with Rhode Island College. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.