Men's Soccer Opens Season With 1-0 Win Over Vermont on Saturday in New Hampshire

The Central Connecticut men's soccer team opened its season with a 1-0 victory on Saturday against Vermont. The game was played at the University of New Hampshire as part of the UNH Nike Fall Classic. The shutout is the first for the Blue Devils since a 3-0 win over Hartford last September. Central returns to action on Monday against New Hampshire at 1:30 p.m.

Eduardo Ortiz scored the lone goal of the game eight minutes into the match to give the Blue Devils the victory. The junior midfielder from Ecuador scored his first goal of the season after posting four goals and an assist last season for Central. Ortiz took the rebound following a Robert Cavener shot and beat the goalkeeper for the score.

The 1-0 victory marks the third straight season-opening victory for head coach Shaun Green and the Blue Devils. Green, entering his 26th season at the helm at CCSU, and his team have won three straight tournament games played in the season-opening tournament at New Hampshire. Last season they won twice to claim the tournament title.

Anthony Occhialini earned the victory in goal for the Blue Devils, making four saves to pick up the shutout. The sophomore posted his first career shutout in his second career start.

Central held a slim 11-10 advantage in shots, including four shots on goal.

The Blue Devils return to action in the UNH Nike Fall Classic on Monday at 1:30 p.m. playing New Hampshire.