Vermont Green FC will head to Ludlow, MA on Saturday night for a must-win match against Western Mass Pioneers at Lusitano Stadium. The match kicks off at 7pm and the task is simple: WIN AND WE’RE IN.
History is repeating itself, as the Green are in the exact same scenario as in 2022: defeat Western Mass in the final match of the regular season to book a spot in the postseason.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Western Mass Pioneers have five meetings prior to this weekend’s clash, with the Massachusetts club enjoying a 3-1-1 advantage over the Vermonters. Despite the record, the score lines have always indicated a proper rivalry, with none of the victories coming by more than one goal, and three of the four matches ending 1-0.
In 2022, Vermont Green FC bested the Pioneers at home in the final game of the season when Diba Nwegbo famously scored from an impossible angle on the wing, clinching a playoff spot for the Green. In 2023, Western Mass Pioneers claimed two 1-0 victories over the Green, two of Vermont’s three losses last season.
In June of this year, the two sides battled through an entertaining but ultimately scoreless 0-0 draw at Virtue Field.
PIONEERS IN FOCUS
Western Mass Pioneers were founded in 1997 in Ludlow, MA, but the club is the spiritual successor of a soccer community that has existed at the iconic Lusitano Stadium since 1918. The club has had stints in both professional and semi-professional leagues, notably winning the 1999 D3 Professional National Championship.
Nestled into Ludlow’s historic Portuguese neighborhood, the club has a rich soccer history, and regularly boasts a pedigree that rivals the best in the nation.
The Pioneers are coached by Federico Molinari, an established and respected coach at the USL League Two level and beyond, and a veteran of the club’s professional era. The Argentine manager has become known for his particular brand of direct, fast-paced attacking football and that has yielded results year in, year out.
WIN AND WE’RE IN
Let’s put it simply: a win at Lusitano will put Vermont Green FC into the USL League Two postseason. After narrowly missing the 2023 playoffs—despite winning 10 of 14 league games—the Vermonters will be ready for an epic showdown in Ludlow.
Vermont Green FC can also qualify for the postseason if Hudson Valley Hammers draw or lose their match against Morris Elite SC in the Metropolitan Division. That match kicks off at the same time: 7pm on July 13th.
ALL TOGETHER
We’ve spent the season highlighting a handful of players each match that could hold the keys to success. This weekend at Lusitano, it will take a unified front from all eighteen players, our staff, and every single fan that makes the trip. Last year, the traveling Vermont Green FC faithful made an impact, and we expect a big traveling contingent again to will the boys to victory.
As for those who watch at home, or check the score on your phone, or wait with baited breath for information: never underestimate the resonating impact of your dedication. Love and support for the team comes in many forms, and it is this that will push us forward.
Everywhere we go, we go together. UP THE GREEN!
STREAM THE MATCH
Western Mass Pioneers have communicated they will stream the match.