Vermont Green FC routed Albany Rush 7-0 at Virtue Field on Tuesday night in the final regular season home match of 2025. Captain Zach Zengue scored an iconic hattrick, and Moussa Ndiaye, Alexander Hall, Will Sawin and Sam McCann also added their names to the scoresheet.
The Green improved to 11W-0L-2D and have 35 points in the Northeast Division table. The Boys in Green now must visit the historically hostile Lusitano Stadium–home of the Western Mass Pioneers of Ludlow, MA–in what will essentially be the Northeast Division final.
Chris Taylor has now used thirteen unique starting groups this season. In goal, the gaffer called on Niklas Herceg. Moussa Ndiaye and Diego Rived were paired together at centerback, and the boys from Seattle: Gabe Fernandez and Alexander Hall served as wing backs. Brandon Parrish made his first start for the Green alongside stalwart midfielder Julien Le Bourdoulous. The attacking four consisted of David Ajagbe, Zach Zengue, and Mohammed Ibrahim, led by Jacob Labovitz at center forward.
Vermont Green FC found the back of the net first in the 23rd minute, after an opening sequence that dealt consistent pressure on the New Yorkers. The first goal belonged to Zach Zengue, who received a cross from David Ajagbe, and acrobatically backheeled the ball past the Albany keeper.
Just ten minutes later, Zengue scored a second, driving the ball into the bottom corner, once again assisted by David Ajagbe.
The Green led 2-0 at the break.
After half-time, the Vermonters wasted no time going for the throat. In the 47th minute, Moussa Ndiaye scored from a looping Le Bourdoulous corner kick. It was the co-captain’s third goal of 2025.
In the 64th minute, Zengue earned his hattrick with a working man’s goal, chasing down and dispossessing the Albany keeper, before knocking it home from a tough angle. Zach Zengue now has 15 goals all-time for the Green, trailing all-time leader Yaniv Bazini by only 4 goals.
The bleeding would not stop for the visitors, as the determined Green laid on the pressure even after going up 4-0. In the 78th minute, Alexander Hall earned a penalty and forced a red card for the Rush, then stepped up to the spot and made it 5-0.
Just minutes later, Will Sawin finished an opportunity set up by Hall and McCann. The versatile Middlebury College attacker took advantage of his moment, burying the ball and celebrating with the Virtue Field faithful.
To close out the scoring, Niklas Herceg sent a beautiful ball down the left wing that landed at the feet of Arnaud Tattevin. Tattevin sprinted toward goal and at the last moment, laid the ball off to a crashing Sam McCann, who finished with ease.
Vermont Green FC are unbeaten through 13 games, with the regular season finale coming on Friday, July 11th at Lusitano Stadium. The Green will need at least one point to secure a first division title in club history.
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Niklas Herceg, Alex Hall, Diego Rived, Moussa Ndiaye (c), Gabe Fernandez, Julien Le Bourdoulous, Brandon Parrish, David Ajagbe, Zach Zengue, Mohammed Ibrahim, Jacob Labovitz.
Subs — Judewellin Michel, Ryan Zellefrow, Owen O’Malley, Arnaud Tattevin, Sam McCann, Will Sawin.
Albany Rush — Bailey Bassett, Cedric Lemaire, Ethan Cook, Owen Tuttle , Rowan Jensen, Jordan Shullen-Berger, Sebastian Bathard, Lucas Horja, Waqas Hagali, Finlay Oliver, Ryan Farr
Subs — Francesco Santaniello, Owen Everett, Seunghyuk Choi, Christian Baker, Eumir Rodriguez, Benjamin Bern, Joshua Card, William Devall.
Scoring Summary
VGFC: Zach Zengue — 23’ (assist from David Ajagbe), Zach Zengue — 38’ (assist from David Ajagbe), Moussa Ndiaye — 47′ (assist from Le Bourdoulous), Zach Zengue — 64′, Alex Hall — 78′, Will Sawin — 82′ (assist from Sam McCann), Sam McCann — 86′ (assist from Arnaud Tattevin).
ALBANY: No goals.
Maple Man of the Match: Zach Zengue
Referees: Jay Vallieres (R), Jace Laquerre (AR1), Dante Castellano (AR2), Elvis Jandric (4th)
Weather: Perfect summer evening, 76°F
Attendance: 2,500+ (sold out)
Post Match Quotes
“Incredibly proud of the team’s performance tonight in front of our amazing fans. Their energy means everything to us. This community is our heart and we can’t wait to make history together on Friday” — #19 Zach Zengue
Next Match
It’s the regular season finale! The Green head to the historic Lusitano Stadium on Friday, July 11th for a blockbuster showdown against Western Mass Pioneers. The winner of the match will be crowned 2025 Northeast Division Champions.
Fans of the Green have organized a bus to the match that will depart Burlington at noon. For just $36, fans can enjoy a meal, a ticket to the match, and a seat on the bus.
The hosts have stated that the intend to stream the match live on SportsEngine Play.
Credit: Patrick McCormack