Vermont Green FC’s first ever U.S. Open Cup run came to an end on Wednesday night as the Green fell 2-1 to visiting MLS NEXT PRO club Carolina Core FC.
In the rain, snow, sleet, and every combination of cold precipitation, the home team—11 on the pitch and 2500 more fearless Vermonters in the stands—battled for 90 minutes against their Carolinian foes. The endurance of the professionals, however, proved to be too much for the amateur Vermonters.
In the twenty-eighth minute of the match, Yaniv Bazini won a penalty after being taken down in the box. The University of Vermont striker stepped up to the familiar penalty spot and left no doubt as he buried the ball to the keeper’s left.
On the defensive side of the ball, Vermont keeper Nathan Schnur had a career night between the sticks, making five crucial saves. He was called upon multiple times up until the waning moments of the match, his acrobatic saves drawing roars from the Virtue Field faithful.
Vermont Green FC went into the break with a one-goal lead, but it would not hold.
In the sixtieth minute, Carolina earned a penalty of their own, giving way for Papa Ndoye to level things. Just ten minutes later, Schnur made a diving save, but the rebound was smashed home from close range by Joshua Rodriguez, a goal that would prove to be the matchwinner.
The U.S. Open Cup was a watershed moment for Vermont Green Football Club, and participation in the historic tournament has unlocked a new obsession for fans of the beautiful game in the Green Mountains. While the Green end their 2024 run, they will certainly be back.
Thank you to our fans, our staff, and our players who made this tournament such a special occasion.
Vermont Green FC begin their USL League Two campaign on Sunday, May 19 in Malden, MA against Boston City FC. The 2024 Vermont Green FC Home Opener is on Saturday, May 25 at 2pm at Virtue Field when the Boys in Green take on Pathfinder FC.
Tickets for the 2024 Vermont Green FC season are on sale now: tickets.vermontgreenfc.com
Rewatch the entire match on MLS YouTube.
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Nathan Schnur; Bernardo Prego, Zach Barrett, Jack Ashford, Nick Lockermann (Daniel Pacella – 77’), Sydney Wathuta, Rodrigo Vaza, Moussa Ndiaye, Pearse O’Brien (Xavi O’Neil – 68’), Jacob Labovitz, Yaniv Bazini.
Subs not used — Eleuterio Lillo, Jason Bouregy, Dylan Lane, Reid Fisher, Kam Jorgenson
Carolina Core FC — Andrew Pannenberg; Ibrahim Covi, Christian Diaz, Kai Thomas; Jeremiah White IV (Jathan Juarez – 69’), Jacob Evans, Facundo Canete, Luis Lugo (Josuha Rodriguez – 46’), Kiki Gregoire (Yekeson Subah – 55’), Papa Ndoye (Jesus Orejuela – 84’), Pachittoo Polanco.
Subs not used — Alex Sutton, Angel Aguas, Carlos Mario Diaz.
Scoring Summary
VGFC: Yaniv Bazini (p) – 28’
CCFC: Papa Ndoye (p) – 60’, Josuha Rodriguez – 70’
Misconduct Summary
VGFC: Bernardo Prego 🟨 – 51’
CCFC: Yekeson Subah 🟨 – 62’
VGFC: Rodrigo Vaza 🟨 – 64’
CCFC: Kai Thomas 🟨 – 83’
CCFC: Pachittoo Polanco 🟨 – 87’
VGFC: Jacob Labovitz 🟥 – 90’
CCFC: Ibrahim Covi 🟨 – 90’
CCFC: Josuha Rodriguez 🟨 – 91’
Referees: Brendan Fanning (center), Jay Vallieres (AR), Jace Laquerre (AR), David Vishnia (fourth)
Weather: Sleet, snow, 34°F
Attendance: 2,500 (sold out)
Postmatch Quotes
“We’re incredibly fortunate and grateful for everybody that devotes their time and money to coming out and supporting the guys and the community. It’s obviously incredibly special.” — Adam Pfeifer, Vermont Green FC Head Coach & Sporting Director
Next Match
Vermont Green FC open the 2024 USL League Two regular season at Boston City FC on May 18 at 4pm. Follow @vermontgreenfc on social media for streaming information.
