BENNINGTON, Vt. – In epic fashion the Southern Vermont College men’s soccer team defeated the in-state rival Castleton State College Spartans 1-0 on Everett Field Wednesday night. Junior captain Nick Haggerty drilled it past the Spartan keeper within three feet of the frame for the game-winning goal in the 16th minute of play. Junior Aaron Eschler got the shutout win as he tallied 10 saves from a relentless CSC front.

The Mountaineers improved to 3-1 overall, while the Spartans fell to 1-2. SVC Head Coach Tim Penrod was elated with the victory stating, “Castleton is our in-state, non-conference rival. They are well-coached, disciplined and fit. They are a measuring stick for where we want to be, because two of the last three years they have been in the national tournament.”

SVC was outshot 22-5, had two corner kicks to CSC’s 14, but played a much more physical game as the team racked up 10 fouls.

The Mountaineer defense held strong and Coach Penrod was happy with their handwork, “Rob [Butler] and Noah [Massucci] got us through the game on defense in the back and Aaron [Eschler] was very solid at goal, positioning himself where he needed to be to make some great saves.”

It was Haggerty’s third goal of the year as he leads the Mountaineers in points. “Nick [Haggerty] is good at creating opportunities out of nothing and today he was fortunate enough to capitalize on mistakes as he put the ball in the back of the net,” said Coach Penrod.

The Mountaineers have not defeated the Spartans since a 1999 1-0 overtime victory. “This win means a lot for the program,” said Coach Penrod. “Winning games like this gives us the confidence to know we are capable to win games once conference play starts.”

Southern Vermont is back in action next Wednesday, September 15, when it hosts the Green Mountain College Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Everett Field.