CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team picked up its first victory in Little East Conference play with a 1-0 shutout win over Eastern Connecticut State University on Sunday.
 
Tanner Curtis provided the game-winning goal for the Spartans in the 11th minute after finding Adolphe Alfani's rebound to knock in the opportunity. With the victory, Castleton snapped its eight-match winless streak this year and ended a ten-match winless streak in conference play dating back to 2023. This is also Castleton's first victory over East Conn in program history.
 
Sunday's match faired even with each team taking control at different points throughout the contest with each team registering eight shots. First-year Xander Berthiaume stopped all four shots on goal he faced to earn his second shutout of the season.
 
With the Warriors pressing hard to find an equalizer, the Spartans defense held strong to take the pressure off Berthiaume by locking down East Conn's offensive attacks. With Liam Cramer and Wyatt Robbie commanding the Spartans' defense, Castleton was able to hang on and secure its first victory in conference play.
 
VTSU Castleton returns to action Monday, October 7 at 4 p.m. for a non-conference game against VTSU Johnson on the road.