September 1, 2006

Castleton wins season opener against Green Mountain 4-2

Poultney, VT-Green Mountain College served notice that they were ready to play, when they struck for a goal just 1:19 into the first half. Castleton State College received the message loud and clear, and rattled off four straight first-half goals to seal the win.

Castleton came out of the gate hoping to control tempo, and play a possession game early on, but the Eagles would have none of it, creating a turnover and playing a quick through ball for the game’s first goal at 1:19. Brian Mariani ( South Hadley, MA) took a short pass from Shane Bufano ( Shelburne, VT) and beat keeper Ben Colona ( Sandwich, MA/Sandwich) much to the delight of the large contingent of Green Mountain followers. At the 14:19 mark the Spartans would get the equalizer when Ryan Hahn ( Benson, VT/Fair Haven Union) put home the rebound off from a Matt Buhrke (Ravena, NY/R-C-S Senior) rocket that was saved by keeper Mike Weiberg ( Stamford, NY). Castleton seemed to settle down from this point on, controlling the ball for the rest of the half. Kurt Hunt (Newport, VT/North Country Union) headed home the second Spartan goal off from a perfect corner by Hahn at 21:37 and Buhrke would add what proved to be the game winner off from a 35 yard direct kick over the keeper and just inside the far post. Hahn tacked on an insurance goal at 43:20 off assists from Chris Hoagland ( Sandy Hook, CT/ Newtown) and T.J. Mazza ( Lake George, NY/ Lake George Central). Garrick Johnson ( Otisfield, ME) scored six minutes into the second half off from a John Voos ( Rock Springs, WY) assist, but that is as close as Green Mountain would come.

Colona earned the win for Castleton in goal, although he did not make a save. Kevin Merchant ( Johnstown, PA/Westmont Hilltop) played the second half in goal and recorded 2 saves on 3 shots. Weingard took the loss recording 2 saves. Zack Fortuna ( Ludlow, VT) was in net for the Eagles in the second half and stopped all four shots he faced. Castleton goes to 1-0 and will play host to Norwich University on Sunday, September 3 at 2:30. Green Mountain falls to 0-1 and travels to Bennington, VT on Sunday, September 3 to take on Southern Vermont College at 1:00 pm. [Box Score]