Vermont Green FC will host its inaugural Women’s Exhibition Match on Saturday against Ligue1 Quebec club, FC Laval. The Vermonters, led by coaches Sam Mewis and Brad Agoos, have had a mere three day training camp to prepare, but will look to an experienced squad of local and regional talent to take the Canadians head-on in front of a sold out crowd at Virtue Field.
FC LAVAL IN FOCUS
There has been a growing connection between Vermont and Quebec soccer communities, so it’s no surprise that the inaugural Women’s Exhibition Match will be played against a side from north of the border. While the contest will be a celebration, the women of FC Laval will be bringing their best in an effort to spoil the party in Burlington.
FC Laval is a club based in Laval, QC, just outside of Montreal. The club’s latest iteration was formed in 2021, but was the result of a merger of clubs that have existed since the 1970s, so the experience within the organization goes back decades.
FC Laval currently sit in 4th place in their group in Ligue1 Quebec.
VERMONT TALENT
Sam Mewis’ squad will enter the match on Saturday with the Green Mountain State deeply in its DNA. Featuring players from Milton, Williston, Pittsford, Shrewsbury, Colchester, and Hyde Park, the far reaches of Vermont will be represented. Additionally, players from around the country and world that now call Vermont home at the University of Vermont and Middlebury College will have an important presence.
In the attack, Vermont Green may look to the prowess of former Clemson Tiger and now College of Charletson forward, Emma Wennar. The Milton, VT native logged 776 minutes for the Tigers in the 2023 season, scoring 3 goals, and brings experience at the highest level of collegiate soccer. By her side, the coaching staff could call upon the University of Vermont’s Bailey Ayer, who started 17 games for the Catamounts, scoring 5 goals and tallying 5 assists.
Defensively, the Green may rely on dynamic outside backs Olivia White of Pittsford, VT and the University of Vermont, and Giovanna Dionicio, the former Yale and Connecticut left back and Dominican Republic international.
Vermont Green FC have a big challenge to prepare for such a marquee contest in a short time, but Green fans can rest assured that the quality and spirit of the group is up for the occasion.
FILL THE HILL
The Women’s Exhibition Match is set to be the best-attended game in Vermont Green FC history, and potentially in Virtue Field history as well. A number of walk-up tickets will be available at the gate, and fans are able to watch the game for FREE from the hill on the north side of the stadium.
STREAM THE MATCH
Vermont Green FC will stream the match LIVE in HD with commentary from Virtue Field at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming. The match will be called by Ryan Zimmerman and Kristi Huizenga.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Come hungry and thirsty to Virtue Field, we’ll have Thingz from Yaad, Maharaja Spice, and Church Street Cheesesteaks serving and adult beverages from Zero Gravity, Shacksbury, and Smugglers Notch Distillery.