Maple Cup Match Report: Vermont Green FC 4-2 FC Laval

Vermont Green FC defeated FC Laval 4-2 on Saturday afternoon in the Maple Cup, claiming the friendly trophy for a second year in a row. Luca Costabile, Joseph Picotto, Stephane Njike, and Arnaud Tattevin were the goalscorers. Tyler Trimnal had a pair of assists.

Chris Taylor named Judewellin Michel as the starting goalkeeper, with much of the backline unchanged from Wednesday’s league match. Moussa Ndiaye and Rui Aoki paired up at center back with Amoni Thomas to their right. At left back, debutant Luca Costabile earned the start. In the middle of the park, Julien Le Bourdoulous and Diego Rived paired up, with Zach Zengue positioned centrally in the attacking position. Stephan Njike and Enzo Dovlo, both of Strasbourg, France attacked from the left and right wing respectively, and Tyler Trimnal led the line. 

The match started with a fast-paced and aggressive tone, with several hard tackles from both sides. Early on, Moussa Ndiaye asserted himself as an aerial threat in the Laval penalty area, but the quality of the Laval defense meant both of his headed chances were thwarted. 

In the 21st minute, Ibrahim Conde struck first for the visitors. Conde is a familiar foe for Vermonters—the dynamic Canadian striker was a star in Seacoast United’s national championship team last season. His goal was a significant–alibet short-lived–shock to the system for the Green.

In the 34th minute, Julien Le Bourdoulous delivered a cross to Tyler Trimnal, who pushed the ball towards Luca Costabile. The Italian pounced, and buried the equalizer.

The hotly contested first half ended level at a goal a piece. 

After the break, Chris Taylor made a handful of changes. Zach Zengue, Enzo Dovlo, Julien Le Bourdoulous, and Judewellin Michel made way for Joseph Picotto, David Ajagbe, Esikil Gjerde, and Niklas Herceg. Picotto and Herceg made their debuts for the club.

Just one minute into the half, Joseph Picotto combined with Eskil Gjerde with his first touches in a Green jersey, scoring and sending the Virtue faithful into a frenzy. The Italian midfielder had given Vermont their first lead at home this season, and the bleachers were bouncing in the rain.

In the 54th minute, Trimnal broke away on the right side, and crossed the ball along the ground to Stephane Njike, who tapped the ball home. Njike delighted the crowd with seven Olympic-caliber  backflips. It was Njike’s third goal in as many matches, and Trimnal’s second assist of the afternoon. 

Laval did not lay down though, and a well-worked counter attack resulted in a Marvin Frimpong goal with just about 12 minutes left in the match. 3-2 Vermont.

The final ten minutes were energized, but in the 90th minute, Marcell Papp broke free and connected with Arnaud Tattevin, who was waiting right in front of goal to flick in Vermont’s fourth of the afternoon.

The Maple Cup stays in Vermont.

Thank you, on behalf of Vermont Green FC and our community, to the FC Laval team, players, and fans who made the trip to continue this new tradition and celebrate the friendship between Vermont and Quebec. 

Scoring Summary

VGFC: Luca Costabile — 34’ (assist from Tyler Trimnal), Joseph Picotto — 46′ (assist from Eskil Gjerde), Stephane Njike — 54′ (assist from Tyler Trimnal), Arnaud Tattevin — 90′ (assist from Marcell Papp).

FC Laval: Ibrahim Conde — 21′, Marvin Frimpong — 79′ (assist from Obeng Tabi).