CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's soccer team battled SUNY Potsdam to a 1-1 draw, with the Spartans overcoming a first-half deficit to earn the tie.
The Basics:
- Final Score: 1-1 Tie
- Location: Castleton, Vt. | Dave Wolk Stadium
- Records: 0-1-2 Castleton | 1-1-1 SUNY Potsdam
How it Happened:
SUNY Potsdam recorded the first shot of the game around the 10-minute mark, but Castleton keeper
Alex Roy turned it aside for the first of several early saves. The Bears continued to apply pressure over the next five minutes, with Roy making four saves to keep the game scoreless.
Castleton registered its first shot of the game when
Junior Carreira sent an attempt just wide of the net.
A corner kick around the 30-minute mark gave the Bears an opportunity in front of the net, and Potsdam capitalized on a deflection to take a 1-0 lead. Potsdam carried its momentum into the second half, continuing to control possession and fire shots toward the Castleton net.
The Spartans eventually found their footing offensively, with
Owen Hackett putting a shot on target that was narrowly saved by the Potsdam keeper.
In the 76th minute, Potsdam's keeper and
Jacques Alfani collided, resulting in a foul on the Bears and a penalty kick for Castleton. Alfani converted the opportunity to tie the game at 1-1.
Castleton continued to to push for the go-ahead goal, with Alfani striking the crossbar and Carreira sending another shot just wide of the net. Neither team could find the game-winner, as the Spartans and Bears settled for a 1-1 draw.
By the Numbers:
- Roy finished the night with nine saves through all 90 minutes of play.
- Potsdam held a 19-11 advantage in shots.
- Alfani led the Spartans with four shots, including two on goal, and scored Castleton's lone goal.
What's Next
The Spartans travel to Western Connecticut State on September 11, for their first Little East Conference match of the season, with kickoff set for 3 p.m.
