It’s derby weekend in Vermont.
Vermont Green FC, unbeaten since the last Twin State Derby in New Hampshire, will host top ranked Seacoast United Phantoms on Sunday afternoon in a titanic matchup with postseason implications.
VT vs NH. 802 vs 603. Mountains vs Sea. Green vs Blue.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Seacoast United have met five times in their young rivalry, with the Granite Staters currently holding the edge, winning four times, including a sweep of Vermont in 2022, and a 3-1 victory in Epping this June.
The back-to-back Northeast Division champions defeated the Green 3-1 at Virtue Field last season. 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.
Seacoast have their grip on the Twin State Derby, but Vermont Green FC have not suffered a loss since their last meeting this season, and will be raring to go as they push for playoff qualification.
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 Phantoms enter Sunday’s clash with a record of 8-1-0, and are recognized by the USL League Two power rankings as the #2 ranked club in the country out of 128 teams.
THE HEALY & CONDE SHOW
This part of the match report may as well be evergreen, as Seacoast’s personnel are tried and true, and perpetually dangerous. In June, we wrote this:
One piece of the Seacoast United squad that Adam Pfeifer’s men will have to contend with on Sunday 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 then. Paired up with University of New Hampshire teammate Ibrahim Conde, it will take a disciplined, focused performance from the Green back line to keep these attacking threats in check.
Consider this as valid as it ever was. The Green defense—likely anchored by captain Moussa Ndiaye—will need to keep these two in check if they want to have a chance at claiming the points on Sunday.
BAZINI’S MOMENT
Speaking of tried and true, the Vermonters will also look to what has worked for them in past meetings. Yaniv Bazini currently sits on 11 goals in USL League Two play, good for second in the country. While the striker’s focus will be on winning the game in front of him, you have to think he’s eager to get back into the Golden Boot top spot. Bazini was overtaken last weekend by Western Mass Pioneers’ Alec Hughes, who now has 12 goals.
Yaniv Bazini has been on fire, and he knows how to play against the New Hampshire visitors. Look to the big man to try and deliver blows to both Northeast Division rivals on Sunday afternoon with his right foot, left foot, head, or whatever else he may need.
WICKHAM SZN
Adam Pfeifer has thus far this season employed a split strategy for his netminders, appearing to alternate games between Jahiem Wickham and Francesco Montali. With Wednesday’s transfer of Montali to Minnesota United FC, the responsibility now sits squarely on Wickham, who has shown time and again he’s up for the challenge. Look to the Trinidad & Tobago youth international to make his statement as the man between the sticks for Vermont Green FC.
STREAM THE MATCH
The match will be streamed LIVE for free and at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming.
ON THE CONCOURSE
There’ll be three food trucks at Sunday’s match: Church Street Cheesesteaks, Thingz from Yaad, and Jilib Jiblets. Vivid Coffee will have coffee and food, and Ben & Jerry’s will be scooping free ice cream.
This match is SOLD OUT. Please arrive early to enjoy the concessions, tabling partners, and more! Gates will open at 12:30pm.