After an exhilarating U.S. Open Cup prelude, Vermont Green FC’s USL League Two title defense is about to begin. The Boys in Green report to Virtue Field for training on Tuesday, May 12, as Head Coach Chris Taylor prepares to navigate the always-challenging Northeast Division and build on his undefeated first season at the helm.
THE USL2 TITLE DEFENSE
The Boys in Green will begin the new campaign with the crown on their heads, and a target on their backs. As USL2 grows from 144 to 158 clubs in 2026, the Vermonters are teeing up the most challenging title defense in the 31-year history of the league. The last club to repeat as champions was the Cape Cod Crusaders in 2002 and 2003. Those teams featured a young winger named Adam Pfeifer—who, 18 years later, would be named Vermont Green FC Sporting Director, and four years after that, lift the league trophy for a third time.
THE NORTHEAST DIVISION
To dream again of national glory, the Green must first navigate the highly competitive Northeast Division, home of the 2024 and 2025 USL2 National Champions. The Boys in Green are gearing up for a regular season sprint, and perhaps another photo finish.
In 2026, the Northeast Division will grow to ten teams with the addition of newcomers Connecticut Rush. Familiar foes will make up the rest of the group: AC Connecticut, Albany Rush, Black Rock FC, Boston Bolts, Boston City, New England FC, Seacoast United Phantoms, and Western Mass Pioneers.
The divisional campaign will be bookended by two massive matches, starting with a trip to New Hampshire to battle 2024 National Champions Seacoast United. Vermont Green have only won twice in Epping in four seasons, and the Phantoms have won seven of 10 total meetings.
The Green will—for the third straight season—end the regular season at Western Mass Pioneers’ famous Lusitano Stadium. While the 108-year old Ludlow grounds are friendly to no visitor, the Vermonters have managed two historic wins there in as many seasons. In 2024, the club clinched a wildcard playoff spot with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory, and 2025’s Miracle at Lusitano saw the club lift its first trophy en route to an undefeated national championship. This season’s July 10 finale in Ludlow is the only time the two clubs are scheduled to meet. The Green will not host the Pioneers at Virtue Field in the 2026 regular season.
Every point counts in the Northeast Division. Taylor’s men can take nothing for granted, and must respect every opponent to repeat as division champs. Finishing in the top two spots will earn the Green a playoff berth, where they’d face the best clubs in the 20-division, 158-team USL League Two.
THE ROSTER
Sporting Director Adam Pfeifer has put together a robust roster for the USL2 title defense, bringing in some of college soccer’s brightest talents. While the squad may have turnover from last year—with 14 players moving on to professional contracts—there is still a strong core of Invincibles in the group. Returners like Brandon Marshall, Joseph Picotto, and Ryan Zellefrow will be tasked with setting the tone on the pitch and in the locker room, while exciting newcomers like Riley Moloney, Shakir Nixon, and Marco Dos Santos will inject new flair into the team.
Taylor noted that much of the success of 2025 was due to his ability to select matchday squads from a deep player pool. Some impact players—namely the University of Washington contingent—are on the trimester system and won’t arrive until June, while others will leave camp for professional training opportunities. Part of succeeding in USL2 means adapting to a sometimes-fluid group of players while building around the club’s stalwarts.
No matter who suits up in any given match, when a player puts on the Vermont Green shirt, they know they’re playing for something bigger than themselves, and for a community that is ready to return their effort on the field with energy in the stands.
THE STEINBRECHER CUP
Vermont Green will compete in the Hank Steinbrecher Cup in 2026.
Founded in 2013, the Steinbrecher Cup was established for the champions of various U.S. men’s amateur and pre-professional leagues and competitions to compete in a four team, single-elimination tournament to determine the Champion of Champions.
The Green qualified for the tournament as champions of USL2. They’ll be joined by National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) champs Hickory FC, USASA National Amateur Cup champs West Chester United SC, and the winner of the 2026 USSSA National Champions League (NCL).
The Green will travel to North Carolina to face Hickory FC in the semifinal match on May 30. West Chester United will host the other semifinal on the same date. If Vermont emerge victorious over Hickory in the semifinal, the final will be held in Burlington on June 5.
EVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY
What sets Vermont Green apart? You do.
The story of the magical 2025 season was as much about the talented players on the pitch as it was about the loyal, boisterous fanbase that created the league’s best atmosphere. Taylor has often credited the fans with shifting matches. Led by the Green Mountain Bhoys, the home support at Virtue Field can lift the home side and deflate visitors with their drums and voices.
Everyone has a part to play became a mantra during the 2025 playoff run, a recognition that Vermont Green’s success rests on the unity of club and community.
VIRTUE FIELD
Fans can expect a few fun changes this year at Virtue Field. The University of Vermont completed the Pizzagali Support Building, offering brand new concessions and bathrooms for fans, and new locker rooms for the teams and referees.
The club will also continue to offer on-field seating, a premium experience for an additional $10 at the door. It will be first-come-first-served.
While tickets to all men’s matches are sold out, fans are encouraged to gather on the grassy hill behind the north goal to watch matches free of charge.
STREAMING
All home matches will be streamed for free. The league also requires away matches to be streamed, though Northeast Division clubs have not always provided reliable streams.