Vermont Green FC defeated Black Rock FC 2-0 in Nashua, NH on Tuesday night. Marcell Papp (36’) and Joseph Picotto (67’) scored, and Ryan Zellefrow made his VGFC debut. The result leaves the Green tied with Western Mass Pioneers at the top of the Northeast Division.
The Green enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession at the start of the match, with captain Zach Zengue looking lively and dictating the tempo. The slick pitch and cool evening air were perfect conditions for Chris Taylor’s high pressing style.
Black Rock tried a few times to catch Vermont on the counter, but the pace and positioning of centerbacks Moussa Ndiaye and Victor Akoum neutralized their efforts. In the 37th minute, Zengue drove into the area, flicked it to Marcell Papp who skillfully controlled the ball with his right foot before smashing it home with his left. It was a goal of creativity and flair between the two attacking midfielders.
The Green went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Vermont came out in the second half with high energy, determined to give themselves a two-goal cushion. On several occasions, the wide players got to the endline and played dangerous balls into the area.
In the 67th minute, Tyler Trimnal charged down the left flank and poked the ball across the face of goal. It eventually fell to substitute Joseph Picotto, who lasered it past the Black Rock keeper to double Vermont’s lead.
Several minutes later, a reckless challenge from a Black Rock midfielder resulted in a second yellow and the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
Ryan Zellefrow—an inbound transfer from West Chester United—made his VGFC debut in the second half, and his presence was felt immediately. The youngster showed his speed and skill to bamboozle Black Rock defenders, who were forced to foul him on numerous occasions.
Vermont soccer fans will know Zellefrow from his fall season at the University of Vermont, where he played a huge role in the school’s national championship run.
The Green saw out the last 30 minutes without too much threat. The man advantage was too much for Black Rock, who snapped a three-match winning streak.
Vermont Green remain undefeated in 2025, with five wins and one draw.
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Niklas Herceg, Brandon Marshall, Moussa Ndiaye, Victor Akoum, Luca Costabile, Diego Rived, Julien Le Bourdoulous, Marcell Pap, Zach Zengue (c), Enzo Dovlo, Tyler Trimnal.
Subs — Judewellin Michel, Owen O’Malley, Rommee Jaridly, Jacob Labovitz, Mohammed Ibrahim, Joseph Picotto, Ayoub Lajhar, Ryan Zellefrow.
Black Rock FC — Benjamin Diffley, Camilo Pereda, Noah Leddel, Koki Hamada, Maxim Makar, Jethro Dede, Leo Doyle, Cabot McLaren, Taha Houssni, Noah Moodey, Santiago Somorrostro.
Subs — Christopher Green, Andrew Coelho, Atticus Ross, Andualem Chisholm, Tinashe Muhlauri, Abel Ador, Ailan Panton.
Scoring Summary
VGFC: Marcell Papp — 37′ (assist from Zach Zengue), Joseph Picotto — 67′.
Referees: Luis Reis (R), Matthew Urrea (AR1), Armand Kounga (AR2), Adam Kaycee (4th)
Weather: Moist, but no rain, 65°F
Postmatch Quotes
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Next Match
The first of two Vermont Green FC women’s exhibition match will take place tomorrow, Wednesday June 11th at 7pm. The match is sold out, but will be streamed for free at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming.
Credit: Patrick McCormack