DUDLEY, Mass. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team was bested in non-conference action at Nichols, 1-0, Tuesday afternoon.

The Spartans (3-4) saw Matt Spiller blast a career-high five shots on goal but none eluded the opposing netminder. Adolphe Alfani's on-target attempt and all five of Spiller's were taken in the first half while the Bison (5-3) put seven shots on net in each stanza. Spartan keeper JP Maul handled the Nichols attacking corps quite well, collecting 14 saves for the senior's second-highest career mark.

The recently-honored Commonwealth Coast Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week in William Pugliese-Savage and Derek Axon were the difference-makers for the Bison. Pugliese-Savage scored the game-winner in the contest's 42nd minute off an assist from Santos Bonfante. Axon improved to 4-2-0 on the year between the posts with a six-save clean sheet.

The Spartans return to Little East Conference play on Saturday, September 23 at WestConn. Kickoff at the Westside Athletic Complex is at 1 p.m.