Vermont Green FC defeated twin state rivals Seacoast United Phantoms 3-2 on Wednesday night, clinching a berth in the 2025 USL League Two Playoffs. Jacob Labovitz scored twice, and Diego Rived added a third goal in a match the Green never trailed.
The Green improve to 9W-0L-2D on the season, and sit atop the table in the Northeast Division with three remaining matches.
Chris Taylor called upon his 11th unique starting XI of the season: Judewellin Michel started in goal, with Moussa Ndiaye and Brandon Marshall paired at centerback. Seattle boys Gabe Fernandez and Alex Hall started as wing backs. In the center, Diego Rived paired with Eskil Gjerde. David Ajagbe, Zach Zengue, and Pearse O’Brien were in the attack, and Jacob Labovitz started at center forward.
Vermont started the derby with the majority of the possession, pushing forward through the front four, threatening in the area multiple times.
In the 31st minute, Pearse O’Brien played Jacob Labovitz through the middle, who ran down his opportunity and finished with power over the keeper.
Despite substantial follow-up chances, the first half ended 1-0 to the Green.
After the break, Seacoast knew they would need to make moves early or risk being overtaken, and the hosts gave the Green defense a few nervy moments.
In the 64th minute, Zach Zengue found space on the right side, carried the ball to the end line, and crossed to Labovitz who popped the ball into the net. 2-0 to the Green.
The match wouldn’t end in a rout, however, as Seacoast stormed back with a nifty goal to make the match 2-1 with about 10 minutes remaining.
As the match wound down and the Green looked to close out their victory, Mohammed Ibrahim found Diego Rived, who made a turn and launched a ball into the back of the net with the outside of his foot. It was a beautiful finish from the Spaniard.
Seacoast scored once more in the waning moments, but Vermont Green held on to claim all three points.
With the win, the Green secured a berth in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, and will now look to fight for a division title with three games remaining, and with Western Mass Pioneers hot on their tail.
Vermont Green FC return to action this Saturday at Virtue Field against Black Rock FC. Saturday’s match is sold out!
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Judewellin Michel, Alex Hall, Moussa Ndiaye, Brandon Marshall, Gabe Fernandez, Diego Rived, Eskil Gjerde, Zach Zengue (c), David Ajagbe, Pearse O’Brien, Jacob Labovitz.
Subs — Niklas Herceg, Julien Le Bourdoulous, Brandon Parrish, Arnaud Tattevin, Gianluca Armellino, Mohammed Ibrahim, Will Sawin, Bernardo Prego, Sam McCann.
Seacoast United Phantoms — Tobias Jahn, Garrett Lillie, Raphael Oppong Owusu, Alfred Baafi, Gershom Matimano, Terry Makedika, Christian Bejar, Eduard Fandunyan, Myles Culley, Aidan Sheppela, Lincoln Cross.
Subs — Preston Neal, Ryosuke Miyata, Cedrick Isho, Xahvi Deroza.
Scoring Summary
VGFC: Jacob Labovitz — 31′ (assist from Pearse O’Brien), Jacob Labovitz — 64′ (assist from Zach Zengue), Diego Rived — 90′ (assist from Mohammed Ibrahim).
SCUP: Eduard Fandunyan, Alfred Baafi.
Referees: David Vishniac (R), Damien Jarrett (AR1), Adie Hughes (AR2), Daniel Smolenski (4th)
Weather: Sunny, 81°F
Attendance: 120
Postmatch Quotes
“Playing away at Seacoast is always a difficult test and tonight was no different. We didn’t help ourselves at times but we stayed patient to get our goals and full credit to the boys for finding a way to secure three crucial points. Winning was all that mattered to clinch a playoff berth. We can’t wait to get back in front of a passionate home crowd for our next two matches as we push to stay top of the league table.” — Assistant Coach Jed Sass
Next Match
The Green return home Saturday, July 5th at 7pm to host Black Rock FC in the second-to-last home match of the regular season. Tickets are still available!
Credit: Patrick McCormack