One more.
Vermont Green FC will compete for USL League Two’s ultimate prize on Saturday night, taking on 2023 National Champions Ballard FC at Virtue Field.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Seattle’s Ballard FC will meet for the first time on Saturday, and what a stage to meet on. The two clubs joined USL League Two in the same season, launching their inaugural campaigns in 2022 with a similar community-focused ethos.
“We have so much respect for Ballard. They have been a peer and an ally since we began our journeys five years ago,” said Vermont Green FC co-founder Matthew Wolff. “What Sam Zisette and his club have accomplished in their early years is incredible. In our journey to replicate their on-pitch success, it’s only fitting that we meet in the final.”
BALLARD IN FOCUS
Ballard FC is a Seattle, Washington-based USL League Two club that played their first season in 2022. The “Bridges” typically compete at Interbay Stadium, but have also played at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium and Starfire Sports Stadium. The club was founded by Sam Zisette, Chris Kaimmer, and former Seattle Sounders FC player Lamar Neagle. It is named after the Seattle neighborhood they are based in. The club also operates a women’s team called Salmon Bay FC.
Since their founding, Ballard FC have been a success in the Northwest Division, finishing second in the table in their inaugural season, followed by three straight division titles. In 2023, the club went on a dream run in the playoffs, ultimately winning their first national title in just their second season. Ballard FC hosted every match en route to the 2023 final, ultimately defeating Lionsbridge FC 2-1 in front of 3,416 fans.
In addition to league success, Ballard competed in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the U.S. Open Cup.
One of Ballard FC’s superpowers is their close connection with the Seattle and greater Washington soccer communities. The club has been able to recruit and retain players with strong ties to the area, and has taken advantage of Seattle’s rich and historic passion for the game of soccer. Players from University of Washington and Seattle University—as well as youth products from the Seattle Sounders Academy—are mainstays at Ballard FC.
Vermont Green FC and its emerging soccer community are coming up against one of USL League Two’s premier clubs, representing one of the best soccer cities in the United States. Vermonters once again have the opportunity to plant their flag on the national and global stage against an opponent well-worthy of the occasion.
EVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY
Vermont is having its moment. Vermont is a soccer state.
The Boys in Green have put their hearts on display for the world to see. They have battled through 14 league matches in the nation’s strongest division, lifted two trophies, and even when they’ve gone down, have simply refused to lose.
In each match preview this season, we’ve highlighted a player, an emerging star, a key-to-the-match, and we won’t be stopping now. The key this time is you. If you’re reading this, you are likely one of the many thousands of Vermonters with a part to play on Saturday. We did not get to this moment without the passion, the noise, the reassurance, the dedication, and the outpouring of real, tangible love.
When the boys were down 2-0 against the nation’s top team, they looked to you, and you amplified your voices. When 90 minutes turned to 120 and their legs were shaking beneath them against Lionsbridge, you encouraged them to keep going, just that little bit more. When penalties loomed against Dothan, you created a maelstrom for the visitors, and you calmed the universe for our heroes stepping up to the spot.
But it’s not just what happens in the stadium. The support goes well beyond the 90 (or 120) minutes.
Vermonters have stepped up for their club in every possible way throughout the first four seasons. Many of you have spent your hard-earned dollars to come to matches, to buy a jersey, and to support this movement. In a time when the societal and economic hardship around us can seem ever-present, and the struggles of our families and our neighbors are at the forefront of our minds, the ability to choose sports entertainment can often come as a privilege, and for some even a sacrifice. This is never lost on us.
You have lived the mission, you have exemplified and expanded the idea that soccer can be a catalyst for a better world. You have raised tens of thousands of dollars for your neighbors, you have brought awareness to the struggles of people all around the world. This is what it means to be Vermont Green, and for this we are eternally grateful.
To win on Saturday, we will need everyone: those who will be in the stands, those who surround the stadium, and the many more who will gather in pubs, cafes, and living rooms across the state. There is nothing we want more than to reward this community for the unrivaled support. The eleven men on the field will give everything, because they know that you will give everything too.
Everyone has a part to play.
STREAM THE MATCH
USL will broadcast the match live and with commentary at SportsEngine Play. It will also be broadcast locally live on WCAX Channel 3.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Jilib Jiblets, Church Street Cheesesteaks, El Gato, Maharaja Spice, 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!