The Boys in Green will take the longest away trip of the regular season on Sunday, June 30th to face Pathfinder FC in New York. Coming off of a big 5-0 win at home against Boston City FC, the Green continue to set their sights on a playoff berth, but will need to take all three points against a club that played spoilers at this year’s home opener back in May.
HISTORY
The 2024 Home Opener will be only the third time Vermont Green FC and Pathfinder FC have met. The club from Pleasant Valley, NY suffered an 8-0 defeat at Virtue Field in 2022, the largest ever victory for the Green. In 2023, Pathfinder took some revenge, drawing 1-1 in New York when Vermont were in a must-win scenario.
In the 2024 Home Opener, Pathfinder battled for a point, frustrating the Vermonters in front of a sold out crowd at Virtue Field.
LOS LOBOS IN FOCUS
Pathfinder FC are coming off an impressive 2023 campaign that saw them finish fourth in the league behind the usual suspects Seacoast United Phantoms, Western Mass Pioneers, and Vermont Green. Collecting 19 total points, Los Lobos proved a difficult opponent for the contenders.
So far in 2024, Pathfinder are 2-6-2, sitting in 7th place with 8 points.
CASTRO, O’NEIL SURGING
So much of the story has been the incredible form of Vermont Green FC striker Yaniv Bazini, who scored two goals on Wednesday night including the #1 SportsCenter Top10 play, but the attacking support for the big man is also starting to take shape. Jackson Castro is one attacking player that has made his mark in recent games, including scoring two goals on Wednesday evening against Boston City. His first strike — a screaming from the corner of the 18 yard box — could just as easily have made the ESPN national highlight reel.
Additionally, two assists were recorded by Xavi O’Neil, who recently spent time with DC United U23’s and in a training camp match with the United States Men’s National team. If O’Neil, Castro, and the rest of the Green attack can stay hot, the goals will come in Pleasant Valley.
STREAM THE MATCH
Pathfinder FC have communicated that they intend to stream the match. More info to follow.