Kings Point, NY - On Thursday night, the Maritime men's soccer team picked up a major conference road victory against USMMA. The Privateers, now 3-1 in Skyline Conference play, defeated the Mariners by a score of 2-1. The Privateers continued their excellence in road play as they improve to 2-0 in conference road matchups.

The Mariners, picked to finish 3^rd in the Skyline Conference in the preseason poll, entered todays game hoping to pick up a crucial Skyline win. The Privateers, who were picked to finish one spot lower, came in to the road matchup looking to make a statement. Led by a controlling defensive performance, the Privateers did just that.

Against their rival, Maritime allowed a lone goal, despite a total of 19 shot attempts by USMMA. Even with being bested in shots taken, the Privateers connected twice out of their 14 attempts.

The Privateers found the back of the net early, courtesy of a freshman and senior connection. Freshman Larry Castello (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge) rose to the occasion in the 30^th minute. On the rebound from Parker Gallt's (Las Vegas, Nev./Plainfield South (Ill.)) free kick, Castello netted his first career goal in a big way to give Maritime the lead.

Following a 1-0 lead to conclude the first period, the Privateers did not wait long to add to their lead. In the 63^rd minute, Nicholas Ciacca (Bologna, Italy/Pelham Memorial (N.Y.)) connected on a brilliant header following a James Roland (Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield Ludlowe) corner kick to give them a commanding lead in the second half.

Behind goal, the Privateers benefited on a dominant performance from Michael Rodriguez (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham). Rodriguez totaled five saves on the night and held USMMA scoreless until a 74^th minute goal.

The Privateers will continue their momentum in Skyline play as they travel to St. Joseph's Brooklyn on Saturday for a 4 p.m. kickoff.