After a strong start to the USL League Two season on Sunday, Vermont Green FC has a quick turnaround this week, getting back on the road to face Black Rock FC on Wednesday, May 22nd at 4pm in New London, NH. The Boys in Green will be eager to keep the momentum of their 3-0 victory, but need to be cautious of a team that hasn’t given the Green trouble in the past.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Black Rock FC have played four matches since the Green joined the league, including Vermont’s first ever home match in 2022. Adam Pfeifer’s side have gotten the best of the roving Black Rock, who have had three different homes in three different states in the past four seasons. While Vermont Green FC are 3-1 against the current New Hampshirites, Black Rock has been known to give them headaches, including a 1-0 win in Lake Placid in 2022, and a hard-fought match at Virtue Field in 2023 that required some late Jake Ashford heroics for the Green to secure all three points.
BLACK ROCK IN FOCUS
Black Rock FC was founded in 2013, with a base of operations in Great Barrington, MA. The developmental club has had great success producing talent, including the likes of Leeds United and Everton star Jack Harrison. They finished 8th in the Northeast Division in 2023.
They joined USL League Two in 2018, becoming champions of the Northeast Division in their first season. Since then the club has moved home stadiums frequently throughout the region, including a stint at Manchester, VT’s Applejack Stadium, where current Vermont Green FC assistant coach Brad Agoos was head coach.
Norwegian forward Iker Carew is the player the Green will need to contain on Wednesday. The 20-year-old has played over 30 matches in pro divisions in Norway, and is from a family of footballers: his father, brother and cousin have all represented the national team of Ecuador.
SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Vermont Green FC started the season on Sunday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Boston City FC. While there is still work to be done for a group of players with only a handful of training sessions together, the Green found their shape as the match went on. The Vermonters will need to continue nurturing their emerging form, like water and nutrients to a flower bed, and grow with each match of a perilous and daunting season.
CAPTAIN PACELLA
As the Green find their footing, Adam Pfeifer will rely heavily on his new captain and tenured veteran Daniel Pacella, who played his club-leading 30th match for the club in Boston on Sunday. Bringing a sturdy, reliable demeanor and an elite level of defensive prowess and forward-vision, Pacella will be key to finding another three points on the road in New Hampshire.
STREAM THE MATCH
Black Rock FC have communicated that they intend to stream the match live from New Hampshire.