The USL League Two Northeast Division will have a top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday night as Vermont Green FC (5-0-1) take on back-to-back champions Seacoast United (5-0-0) in Epping, New Hampshire. The twin-state rivals will both be looking for more than to just stay unbeaten, as the winner will move into the sole position at the top of the league table.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Seacoast United have met four times in their young rivalry, with the Granite Staters currently holding the edge, winning three times, including a sweep of Vermont in 2022. The defending champions won the third ever meeting between the two sides in 2023 at Virtue Field, defeating the Green 3-1, marking Vermont’s only ever 2-goal loss. In the reverse fixture last year, the Vermonters got one back, winning at the Seacoast United Outdoor Complex by a score of 2-1. Yaniv Bazini scored twice that day, with a consolation goal coming from Taig Healy in the final seconds of the match.
The champions will be eager to make firm their hold on the rivalry, but the upstart Vermonters have momentum and are ready to strike a blow in New Hampshire.
SEACOAST IN FOCUS
Seacoast United is a youth and semi-professional soccer club based in Epping, New Hampshire, serving the coastal region of the state. The club’s USL League Two outfit, known as The Phantoms, have been playing competitive professional and semi-professional soccer since 1996.
The New Hampshirites have won back-to-back titles in the USL League Two Northeast Division, and have made playoff runs under the guidance of Head Coach Alex Ryan. The high-flying start to the 2024 season includes their most recent match, defeating the undefeated Western Mass Pioneers 3-2 away at Lusitano Stadium, a famously difficult away trip for any club.
The Phantoms enter Tuesday’s clash with a perfect 5-0-0 record.
TAIG HEALY, PURE NEW HAMPSHIRE
One piece of the Seacoast United squad that Adam Pfeifer’s men will have to contend with on Tuesday will be New Hampshire-native Taig Healy. The tricky, skillful number 10 has been a thorn in the side of the Vermonters since 2022, and his stature in the USL League Two landscape has soared since the sides first met in 2022. In 2023, Healy grew into his role as the club’s most important player, and was awarded the Northeast Division Player of the Year.
Healy is expected to operate on Tuesday with University of New Hampshire teammate Ibrahim Conde, and it will take a disciplined, focused performance from the Green back line to keep these attacking threats in check.
GREEN MOUNTAIN KEEPERS
While much of the focus this season has been fixed on the goalscorers, the key to Vermont Green’s success in the Granite State could come off the gloves of goalkeepers Jahiem Wickham and Francesco Montali. Vermont Green will choose their man on the day, but both netminders have shown their quality and mettle between the sticks. Whomever is called for the task will be looking to keep things clean for the Vermonters on the road.
CASTRO BRIMMING
Adam Pfeifer could have a fully fit Jackson Castro in Epping on Tuesday, and the venomous Texan will be ready for the moment if called upon. Castro has played 233 minutes so far this campaign, and has shown flashes of brilliance in the buildup play. Vermont Green fans feel there’s a big performance coming from the attacking midfielder, and are hopeful it will be in this twin state derby.
WATCH THE MATCH
Seacoast United have communicated that the match will be streamed without commentary.