CASTLETON, Vt. – Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer launched the 2024 season with a 2-1 victory over Russell Sage.

VTSU Castleton hosted Russell Sage College to kick off the opening day of the 2024 season. Kicking off the year was Matt Spiller, who stepped up to take the free kick after a foul was assessed at the top of the box. Spiller bent it around the defensive wall and slotted it past the keeper to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead at the 36th-minute mark.

First-year Xander Berthiaume made his collegiate debut, racking four saves throughout the match. In the 38th minute, Berthiaume came out aggressive and challenged the opposition which resulted in a penalty shot and a yellow card for the first-year keeper. Alejandro Aleo capitalized on the opportunity and tied the game at one apiece heading into the second half.

Russell Sage began to bring the heat in the second half, finishing with six corner kicks and 14 total shots in the contest. The Spartans defense, led by sophomore Wyatt Robbie shut down all remaining opportunities to keep the game tied at one. 

The game shifted in the 73rd minute when Sage received a red card and was put to 10 men for the remainder of the game. Spiller took advantage of the open space and played a ball directly to first-year Jacques Alfani, who shifted his way past the charging keeper and buried the game-winning goal in the 87th minute in his collegiate debut, giving the Spartans the victory to begin their season.

VTSU Castleton is back in action Tuesday, September 3 at 4 p.m. against Fitchburg State on the road.