CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team closed out its season on a high note Wednesday night, earning a 1-0 shutout victory over Keene State in Little East Conference play. The win marked the Spartans' first victory over the Owls since 2018.
The Basics:
- Final Score: 1-0 VTSU Castleton
- Location: Castleton, Vt. | Dave Wolk Stadium
- Records: 4-11-2 (2-6 LEC) VTSU Castleton | 3-11-3 (1-5-2 LEC) Keene State
How it Happened:
Keene State outshot the Spartans in the opening half, but Castleton's backline held strong, forcing shots wide and blocking four attempts to keep the Owls off the scoreboard. Both teams remained scoreless heading into halftime.
Keene State earned a corner kick in the 49
th minute, but the Spartans cleared the ball and quickly turned the ball up the field.
Owen Hackett carried the ball toward goal and fired a shot on target, forcing a save from the Owls' keeper.
Castleton broke the scoreless tie in the 64
th minute.
Matt Lurie sent a ball upfield to Hackett, who pushed past his defender before burying his shot in the back of the net for the game-winning goal and his second of the season.
Keene State continued to pressure the Spartans late in the match, but
Xander Berthiaume came up with key saves to preserve the lead. The Owls created a few dangerous chances in the final minutes, but Berthiaume kept them off the scoreboard to secure the shutout.
By the Numbers:
- Berthiaume played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded nine saves.
- Castleton was outshot 22-6 but held on for the 1-0 victory, earning three conference points in its season finale.
- Matt Lurie, Will Ambruso, Liam Cramer, and Nate Lurie all recorded one shot in the match.
The squad concluded the season with an overall record of 4-11-2 and a 2-6 mark in Little East Conference action.
