CASTLETON, Vt. - Sophomore Nickolas Santana (New Haven, Conn.) scored twice to lead the visiting Western Connecticut State University Wolves to a 2-1 win over the Vermont State University Castleton Spartans in the Little East Conference (LEC) men's soccer opener for both teams this evening at Dave Wolk Stadium.  WestConn improves to 2-4-1 and the Spartans drop to 2-3.  

Santana had an early shot blocked and WestConn senior goalkeeper Zachary Benson (Milford, Conn.) made the first save of the contest on a bid by Castleton's Tanner Curtis in the 12th minute, as both offenses started slowly.  Santana gave the Wolves a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute, converting on a feed by junior midfielder Aidan Roxo (Danbury, Conn.).  Santana struck again 4:22 into the second half, this time with an assist provided by senior Ian Mounts (Middletown, Conn.). 

Spartan senior Matt Spiller made it a one-goal game with a successful penalty kick in the 88th minute, but neither team put a shot on goal in the rest of the way. Benson and Castleton keeper Berthiaume Xander had two saves apiece.  WestConn outshot Castleton, 17-5, and held an 8-2 advantage on corner kicks to take their eighth victory in a row over the Spartans.  The Wolves will host Lehman next on Monday at 6 p.m.