Vermont Green FC bounced back from Saturday’s home loss with a decisive 2-0 victory against Black Rock FC on Monday afternoon in New London, NH. The Green returned to their winning ways thanks to first-half goals from Denis Krioutchenkov and Gevork Diarbian.
Adam Pfeifer’s side came out of the gates with fervor, controlling the game from the first kick and eager to win every ball. With the lion’s share of the possession, the Green were patient in the opening 20 minutes, feeling out the Black Rock FC defense. The centerback pairing of Zach Barrett and Moussa Ndiaye kept the area clean in front of Nathan Schnur’s net, and midfielders Giorgio Probo and Daniel Pacella served as the engine for a high pressure Vermont attack.
In the 24th minute, the Vermonters broke the deadlock through striker Denis Krioutchenkov. After a momentary lapse from a Black Rock defender, the 19-year old Russian-American pounced on the ball and smashed home the go-ahead goal.
Just five minutes later, Dylan Lane was taken down after a mazey run into the box, earning the Green a penalty. Gevork Diarbian confidently slotted home the spotkick, his third goal of the USL League Two season.
Coach Pfeifer made three half-time substitutions, and the Green focused on possession and defending their lead with the ball at their feet. In the 81st minute, Zach Zengue let one fly from distance, pinging the post, bringing Vermont inches from a third.
The Vermonters were surgical in the remaining minutes, closing the game with confidence to secure three important points.
“We were very pleased with the first half performance,” said Head Coach Adam Pfeifer. “We knew we had the quality to get our lead early in the match and protect it in the second half. I’m proud of the way the group responded after the weekend.”
Vermont Green FC return to action at Virtue Field this Wednesday hosting Kingston Stockade FC in a friendly match. The game will be “Maple Night” as we gather to celebrate Pure Vermont Maple Syrup and the Sugar Makers who produce it. Get tickets at tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.
