Coming off a big mid-week win over Western Mass Pioneers, Vermont Green FC will now shift focus to a weekend clash with AC Connecticut. The visitors are a young squad with a winning mentality, and they’ll be coming to Virtue Field looking to disrupt the league leaders.
Chris Taylor has been adamant in his messaging around taking the season “one match at a time,” but it’s worth noting that Saturday’s match will be followed by a trip to Connecticut on Tuesday, creating a quick home-and-home series with AC CT. The Green will need to navigate 180 minutes against a dangerous opponent if they want to maintain their spot at the top of the division.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and AC Connecticut matches have always been one to circle on the calendar, in part because of a penchant for high-scoring encounters. In 2022, Vermont Green’s first encounter with the Connecticuters ended 6-4 in Hartford, and in 2024 the Green scored seven goals against the visitors. In the return leg last season, Vermont secured a professional 2-1 victory in Connecticut.
AC CONNECTICUT IN FOCUS
AC Connecticut will come to Burlington on Saturday with 4-4 record, showing their mettle in big games, including opening the season with a 1-0 win away at defending champions Seacoast United. Connecticut currently sit in fifth place in the table.
Vermont Green FC will have more than a few eyes on AC Connecticut’s talisman striker Sam McCann–who played for the Green in 2022 and 2023–most famously scoring the game-winning goal to upset Lionsbridge in the 2022 playoffs. McCann has been on a tear in league play over the last two seasons, and despite having a well-documented and mutual love for his former club, he will not be looking to make friends during the 90 minutes. It will be critical that the Green backline find a way to prevent McCann from using his speed to break through.
CHEF STEPH
On Tuesday against the Pioneers, French winger Stephane Njike delighted the sold out crowd with his service, his scoring, and perhaps most notably: his acrobatic celebrations. The spotlight seems to follow Steph, and despite putting in a 90 minute shift on Tuesday, he should be raring to go again on Saturday night.
Njike currently leads the team in goals–tied with Zach Zengue–with 3. Whether from the start or off the bench, when Steph enters the match, fans (and defenders) take notice.
TICKETS
The match is SOLD OUT.
STREAM THE MATCH
All Vermont Green FC matches are streamed live, for free, with commentary at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming. This match will also be broadcast on WYCI.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Sabah House, Maharaja Spice, and South End Sliders will be serving on the concourse. Ben & Jerry’s will be scooping FREE ICE CREAM! Arrive early to enjoy the concourse full of food vendors, tabling partners, and more!