By Lexi Livesay-Nicholas
No more exhibitions, no more single game summers. The time has come for the Women in Green to make their USL W League home field debut! On Saturday, the Green are set to face the Northeast Division leading, Hudson Valley Crusaders at Virtue Field.
This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter for Vermont Green FC, one that finally includes a full season of matches for the men’s side and the women’s side.
THE WOMEN IN GREEN AT VIRTUE FIELD
Historically, Virtue Field has been an auspicious spot for the Women in Green, holding the promise of an electric atmosphere, roaring stands full of supporters, and only the most epic of goals.
In 2024, Vermont Green fielded its first ever women’s team for an exhibition match against Quebec’s FC Laval. It was a wildly entertaining affair for the nearly 3,000 fans in attendance at Virtue Field, with a 1-1 regulation finish ending in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Women in Green emerged victorious in front of the biggest crowd in Vermont Green history. It was a night none of us will soon forget!
Fast-forward to 2025, and the Women in Green returned for two more exhibition matches, much to the delight of women’s soccer fans all over the Green Mountain State.
The first match against Flower City 1872 was played in front of a raucous crowd of 2,500 at Virtue Field. The shutout victory featuring a four goal extravaganza was a treat for every Vermont Green player and supporter in attendance. The second exhibition was a hard-fought battle against the Québécois side, AS Blainville, that ended 2-1 to the Green. It was a come-from-behind victory that proved the resilience of the Women in Green. After taking the lead in the 76th minute, the team led by Sam Mewis saw out the rest of the match with patience and professionalism.
For the first time in 2026, the Women in Green will step foot on Virtue Field for a competitive match. The supporters in the stands proved to be a difference maker last season, and we will need every single one of you to show up on Saturday night. Get loud, cheer proud, and remember: Up the Green!
CRUSADERS IN FOCUS
Hudson Valley Crusaders have started their second year in the USLW off on the right foot. With two matches under their belt, the Crusaders are currently top of the table with four points. On May 16, they faced a talented AC Connecticut side and played them to a 3-3 draw. Just three short days later, the Crusaders faced the New England Mutiny on their home field, cruising past the visitors from Massachusetts to a 2-0 victory.
Vivian Akirem leads the Crusaders in goals scored so far this season, netting two against AC Connecticut. Akirem played two seasons at Northeastern University, and then transferred to Vanderbilt, recording 24 goals and 8 assists in over 3,500 minutes played.
In the 2025 USLW season, the Crusaders played their 10 matches in the Metropolitan Division, finishing with a record of 5W-1D-4L. They netted 24 goals over the course of the season, while conceding 25.
HOLDING DOWN THE FORT
The first match nerves have been shaken off and now the Women in Green are eager to take the field on Saturday for their home opener. Head Coach Abby Carchio expressed her team’s desire to learn and grow from their first match against Hartford Athletic.
“We had four minutes of film to review this week, and spent almost an hour discussing it. The girls are eager to learn. They challenge me with the quality of their questions, and it just goes to show how thoughtful these players are. We will be missing a few players this coming weekend, but I know all the girls are excited to play for the home crowd for the first time. We’re ready to show everyone what we’re capable of, and to make our supporters and the broader women’s soccer community proud,” said Carchio.
Without #1 Olivia Shippee this weekend, Carchio will rely on goalkeeper #27 Blythe Braun out of Syracuse University. In her senior season with the Orange, Braun recorded a career-high 9 saves in the ACC regular season match-up against North Carolina State. Expect Braun and the backline in front of her to be tested by the high-scoring Crusaders on Saturday. A challenge they will surely rise to.
HOUSING JUSTICE NIGHT
Saturday night is Housing Justice Night at Virtue Field! We are honored to have Matthew Anthony of the Champlain Housing Trust speak during halftime.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Miso Toh Kome, Jilib Jiblets, Maharaja Spice, and Sabah’s House will be serving on the concourse. As always, Ben & Jerry’s will be giving out free ice cream. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Vermont Works for Women will be tabling on the concourse. Vermont Green is proud to partner with Vermont Works for Women on the More Green, More Good initiative, which expands opportunities for female athletes while directly supporting Vermont women. For every home goal scored by the Women in Green, three women-owned businesse–BirdieBlue, //gametheory, and Ursa Major–will donate $50 to support Vermont Works for Women’s statewide programs.
TICKETS
For fans looking to get close to the action, on-field seats return for 2026. Available at every home match for an additional $10, these 200 first-come, first-served seats sit directly along the touchline in front of the east stand.
For a more relaxed matchday experience, fans are encouraged to watch the match for free on the hill behind the north goal. This dog-friendly, blanket-and-lawn-chair tradition is a cornerstone of the Vermont Green matchday.
STREAM THE MATCH
Vermont Green FC will broadcast the match live and with commentary at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming.