Vermont Green FC are off to a flying start in USL League Two play, going unbeaten through the first five matches while conceding only one goal. The Vermonters will look to continue their streak this Saturday when they take on Albany Rush on the road. Three points are imperative for the Boys in Green to keep pace with the perfect Western Mass Pioneers and Seacoast United Phantoms in the Northeast Division table.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Albany Rush have played each other four times, with Vermont coming out victorious in all four meetings, conceding zero goals. In 2022, Vermont Green defeated the New York club 3-0 both home and away, in 2023 Vermont matched the 3-0 scoreline in the club’s home opener, then won 2-0 in the return leg in Albany.
ALBANY RUSH IN FOCUS
Albany Rush will host Vermont Green for the first meeting between the two sides in 2024 on Saturday. The New Yorkers are 0-3-2 through 5 games, earning draws against Boston City FC and Black Rock FC, and losing to Western Mass Pioneers, AC Connecticut, and Boston Bolts.
Albany could look familiar to Vermont, as they boast multiple former Green players in Karl Daly and Eddie Vargas, as well as additional University of Vermont Catamounts Andrew Millar and Noe Coutino.
For Vermont Green FC to unlock the Albany defense and come away with a win, they’ll need to find their way around the towering Daly, who has proven to be a sturdy presence at centerback.
CASTILLO AND THREADGOLD ON THE WINGS
After a short absence due injury, Gerardo Castillo returned to the pitch for valuable minutes this Wednesday in the friendly against Juba Star FC. The left-back was stellar through three opening fixtures for the Green, recording 2 assists in 270 minutes.
Opposite of Castillo, Vermont Green stalwart Gabe Threadgold continues to have a strong start to the campaign, logging the most minutes of any player in the squad, with 444 minutes over 5 matches. The Seattle native has operated in both the left- and right-back positions this season.
With the two wing-backs raring to terrorize their respective sideline, Albany will have to give extra attention to the wide play from Vermont, on the narrow pitch in Schenectady.
BAZINI COOKING
Yaniv Bazini’s hat-trick in the 7-0 thrashing of AC Connecticut has the striker sitting atop the league’s Golden Boot race with 5 goals in 226 minutes and only 2 starts. Whether as a starter or an option off the bench, Bazini will make the most of his minutes.
WATCH THE MATCH
Albany Rush have communicated that the match will streamed.