CASTLETON, Vt. – For the first time since 2018, the Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team took down Rhode Island College, 2-1, to open Little East Conference competition Saturday night.

Stanley Andersen chose a fine time to bag his first goal of the 2023 campaign, a game-winner in the 77th minute. Toby Ritzkowski netted his team-leading third score this season as Tanner Curtis and Matt Spiller chipped in assists for the Spartans (3-3, 1-0 LEC). Andres Soto-Burgos gobbled up four shots taken by the Anchormen (4-1-1, 0-1 LEC), receiving help from Lucas McCane and Michael Padilla who each added a defensive save.

RIC got on the board first as Anthony Recinos received a pass from Tariq Adio in the 12th minute, firing a shot past Soto-Burgos for a 1-0 edge. Adio narrowly missed a score himself midway through the opening half but McCane got between Soto-Burgos and the post to deny the opportunity. Michael O'Connor launched a pair of on-target deliveries as Spiller notched a strong attempt, but visiting keeper Jake Reed held strong to keep the lead intact.

A 54th-minute flurry saw VTSU Castleton chase the ball into its attacking zone as Reed attempted to clear, but his boot deflected off teammate Izaiah Karweh and found the foot of Curtis. One pass later, Ritzkowski let it fly from 25 yards out to even proceedings at 1-1. The Spartans upped the intensity level, controlling possession and continuing to create attractive looks. The persistence paid off when Spiller found Andersen in the middle of the field who unleashed a 30-yard missile to the goal's upper-left corner to put the Spartans in front. Two corner kicks in the final two minutes produced a late chance for RIC as Soto-Burgos was pulled out of the net, but Padilla made the stop to secure a vengeful triumph over the Anchormen.

The Spartans head to Dudley, Mass. on Tuesday, September 19 to challenge Nichols in non-conference action. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.