The Boys in Green had a jam-packed, two-match weekend as they traveled to Newton, MA to take on Boston Bolts in USL League 2 play before returning to Burlington for the long-awaited community friendly with Juba Star FC.
In Saturday’s match vs Bolts, the Green took the lead in the second half through a clever backheel finish from Diba Nwegbo, but a penalty shortly after for the hosts would see the game end at 1-1. Vermont settled for a point on the road in Boston.
Sunday’s fundraiser match in partnership with Juba Star FC, a Somali Bantu Community Association soccer team, was a success on and off the pitch. A first-minute goal from Charlie Adams (Oliver Martin assist) was quickly followed by Brage Aasen’s finish in the 8th minute to give the Green an early buffer. Just before the half, Riley Urie latched onto a Nolan Jimmo pass, stormed down the left wing, and curled the ball into the back of the net. The match would end in a 3-0 win for the Green.
Vermont Green FC returns to league play at Virtue Field this Saturday to face last week’s opponents Boston Bolts in the return leg. Get your tickets and support the Green as they look to return to their winning ways!
Notes from Boston:
- “It’s a tough result to swallow because the boys know that we deserved all three points. We all have faith in each other and the coaches are all bought into the system that we want to play. We have a few things that we need to tweak in training so it can translate into the game, but overall I’m happy with the performance of the guys because they showed grit and we fought hard for one another. We’ll be ready to face the Bolts again at home in front of our amazing fans next Saturday!” said Diba Nwegbo.
- Diba Nwegbo’s goal is his third on the season, the club’s current leading goal tally.
- “We came into this game feeling like we needed to get the 3 points, so the result is disappointing. We felt like we were in control throughout most of the game, but at the end of the day, we did not create enough to win. We have another shot at the Bolts next week and are looking forward to our second chance.” said Head Coach & Sporting Director Adam Pfeifer.
Notes vs Juba Star FC:
- “It was great to get out onto our home field to play with our community partners in Juba Star. They have produced some of the best local talents and we were proud to share the field with them. We are looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops and what we can collectively do for our community.” said Adam Pfeifer.
- A multitude of players were able to see the pitch on Sunday night, giving important minutes and meaningful game time to our roster.
- It was an incredible feeling to play for the Green last night against my former club Juba Star FC. Being from the small town of West Glover, Vermont, Juba Star FC always welcomed me with open arms in Burlington. Playing against friends and brothers last night and being able to score was a surreal feeling. It really is about more than soccer and I’m glad I could show younger kids that are coming up with Juba Star FC that it is possible to play at a high level, and it is possible to achieve your dreams with enough hard work and dedication!” said Riley Urie.