CASTLETON, Vt.– An 87th minute goal propelled host Castleton past Russell Sage College tonight. Freshman forward Jacques Alfani delivered the game-winner to give the Spartans the home non-conference victory.

The squads traded goals midway through the first half. After junior midfielder Matt Spiller put Castleton (1-0) on the board in the 37th minute, RSC answered just 2:39 later on a PK by junior midfielder Alejandro Aleo (Alicante, Spain/Ira Macia Abela/Saint Rose).

The Gators (0-1), which played with ten players for the final 17:55 due to a red card, have their home opener on Tuesday at 7:00 pm vs. Albany College of Pharmacy.

Gator Bites: Head coach Amir Pasic is in his third season at the helm of the Gators…21 newcomers combine with 16 returnees to comprise this fall's roster…Forward El Hadji Iba Sy (Bronx, NY/Emma Lazarus), a grad student, and Senior midfielder/forward Joe Piperata (Rensselaer, NY/Catholic Central) highlight the returning Gators…Junior Alejandro Aleo (Alicante, Spain/Ira Macia Abela/Saint Rose), freshman defender Logan Diebold (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South), and senior forward Darien Espinal (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa/Saint Rose) headline the crop of new faces…Senior defenders Taiwo Afolabi (Arlington, TX/Mansfield Summit/Medaille), and Mason Kievit (LaGrange, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes), and Aleo, serve as the team captains.