ALBANY, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team battled Sage Friday, falling 2-1 to the Gators in the program's season opener.

Toby Ritzkowski connected on a free kick in the 35th minute, his lone shot attempt of the night for the junior midfielder's third career goal. Between the posts for the Spartans (0-1), Andres Soto-Burgos turned away four Sage (1-0) shots. Three freshmen debuted in the starting lineup for VTSU Castleton: defenders Wyatt Robbie and Liam Cramer as well as midfielder Will Ambruso.

The Gators snatched the lead in the ninth minute as James Alexander scored the night's first tally with an assist given to John Locicero. After Ritzkowski's goal late in the first half to knot proceedings at one-all, a 65th-minute dart delivered from Locicero to Peter Martillotta ended up being the game-winner.

The Spartans return to action on Sunday, September 3 at Albertus Magnus for a 2 p.m. kickoff.