The Eastern Conference Final is set.
Vermont Green FC will host three-time Chesapeake Division Champions & 2023 USL League Two National Finalists Lionsbridge FC on Friday night at Virtue Field. The winner will lift the Eastern Conference trophy, and earn a place in Sunday’s National Semifinal.
It will be the Vermonters’ first appearance in the Eastern Conference Final. The Virginia-based juggernaut will make their third consecutive appearance.
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, July 23rd at 10am.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Lionsbridge FC have one prior meeting, in a match that sits firmly in folklore for fans in the Green Mountain State. It was 2022 and the Green’s first ever playoff match. Charlie Adams and Sam McCann scored to defeat the nationally top ranked Lionsbridge at their stadium.
The Vermonters made an impression in Newport News, VA and should expect the ‘Bridge–both the team and their traveling fans—to be seeking revenge on Friday.
LIONSBRIDGE IN FOCUS
Lionsbridge FC were founded in 2017, and are one of USL League Two’s premier clubs, both on- and off-the-pitch. Since the founding of the Chesapeake Division in 2022, Lionsbridge have won three division titles, and been a mainstay in the playoffs. In 2023, they made it all the way to the National Championship match, but allowed a goal in the dying moments that saw Ballard FC of Seattle take the ultimate prize.
Based out of TowneBank Stadium on the campus of Christopher Newport University, the club has regularly boasted average attendances of over 2,000 fans. Their highest ever attendance is 3,547.
In 2025, Lionsbridge fell just short of a fourth consecutive Chesapeake Division title, but ultimately had the last laugh as they defeated division champions Northern Virginia FC in the Round of 16 last Sunday. Lionsbridge finished the regular season 9W-3D-2L.
Lionsbridge are coached by Chris Whalley, and boasts some of the league’s top players, including the club’s all-time appearance leader Sam Hall, defensive talisman Davide Materazzi, and 2024 USL League Two Final MVP Taig Healy, the former Seacoast United star.
In short, Lionsbridge are proven winners, perennial contenders, and a bonafide league powerhouse. It’s going to be a matchup for the ages at Virtue Field on Friday night.
BIG CAT KISSEL
Vermont Green FC have yet to lose a match in 2025, but it’s taken three consecutive come-from-behind wins to reach the Eastern Conference Final. Head Coach Chris Taylor has said that while they never want to concede, he will always back his men to find their way out of a hole.
The gaffer’s confidence comes in part from the depth of talent on his bench. One option that’s been reliable since the start of the playoffs is Maximilian Kissel. The University of Vermont legend smashed home the tying goal against FC Motown on Sunday, and played a critical role in the epic comeback at Virtue Field.
Now, on the biggest stage yet, Taylor may rely again on his Cardiac Cat. Whether he is the starting option, or waits to stalk his prey after the hour mark, you can be sure that Kissel will play a role on Friday.
STREAM THE MATCH
Vermont Green FC will broadcast the match live and with commentary at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming.
ON THE CONCOURSE
El Gato, Kona Beachside, Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop, Sabah House, and South End Sliders will be serving on the concourse. Ben & Jerry’s will be scooping FREE ICE CREAM! Arrive early to enjoy the concourse full of food vendors, tabling partners, and more!
TICKETS
Tickets to the match sold out in under 30 seconds. Please bear with us as our small staff manages the overwhelming demand and customer support inquires.