Maple Cup Match Report: Vermont Green FC 5-0 CS Saint-Laurent

It was a sweet, sweet night at Virtue Field as Vermont Green FC defeated CS Saint-Laurent 5-0 at a sold out Virtue Field, lifting the inaugural Maple Cup.

Vermont Green FC’s Starting XI had a mix of familiar faces and players making their first start for the club. Jahiem Wickham was the first name called, as the keeper now has an uncontested hold on the netminder position for the club’s home stretch. In the backline, a strong center-back pairing of Reid Fisher and Sjur Dreschler was flanked by the CS Saint-Laurent product Nathan Simeon at left back, and Sebi Gebhart out right. Centrally, Ryan Combe paired with the returning captain Daniel Pacella, who was out for several weeks with an injury. The match’s central character, Yann Toualy, who recently transferred to Vermont Green from CS Saint-Laurent started at left wing opposite Xavi O’Neil on the right. Mohammed Ibrahim started centrally and became the youngest ever starter for Vermont Green, at just 18 years, 9 months, and 28 days old. Jacob Labovitz brought his experience to the Maple Cup Starting XI, leading the attack at center forward. 

The Vermonters came out of the gate with all the intensity of a cup match, taking only nine minutes to get on the board. It was created by Xavi O’Neil, who weaved across the box, drawing the penalty, and converting from the spot. 

In the 25th minute, Sebi Gebhart made an impressive run down the right side, delivering a low cross to Jacob Labovitz, who took one touch before burying his shot. The Green led by two goals before the half-hour mark.

Just before half-time, the Green added a third when Yann Toualy beat his defender and laid the ball off for Jacob Labovitz to finish from close range for his second of the night.

After the break, the Green did not let up, with substitute Carlos Zambrano showing his work rate to create the fourth goal, battling through defenders before crossing to O’Neil, who only had to tap it in. The brace-scorer pointed to young Zambrano to show his appreciation and recognize the effort in his assist.

The final goal of the match came from a late substitution, the familiar Yaniv Bazini. The swift-footed striker chased down a long ball, being taken down in the box for the second penalty of the night. Bazini, clinical as ever, finished his chance. The hapless defender was shown a second yellow card and CS Saint-Laurent were reduced to ten men for the remainder of the match.

The Green would go on to celebrate with the newly minted Maple Cup, enjoying the world’s finest maple syrup from the esteemed chalice. 

Vermont Green FC are extremely grateful for the class of CS Saint-Laurent, who were fantastic guests for the historic contest. 

The Boys in Green return to league play this Sunday, July 7th at 2:00pm in the Twin State Derby against Seacoast United Phantoms. The playoff push is on, and the Green will be battling for maximum points against their league rivals.