Vermont Green FC fell 1-0 on Friday night to Western Mass Pioneers. The boys fought hard on the road in an intense atmosphere in Ludlow, but a late goal was enough for the hosts to take the points and deal a blow to the Vermonters’ playoff hopes.
Adam Pfeifer’s side went into the match in first place, looking to inch closer to securing a playoff spot and enact some revenge for the home leg against Western Mass, where the Pioneers came away 1-0 victors. Despite a valiant effort, the firm defensive performance of the perennial powerhouses of the Northeast Division would see them winning the match and taking hold of the first-place position.
The Green came out in the first half with aggression. Felipe D’Agostini, Chris Meyers, and Giorgio Probo all had decent looks on goal, and Yaniv Bazini was tripped in the box, but no penalty was given. The first-half dominance would not result in a goal, and the Green would look to adjust after the break.
In the 80th minute, Western Mass’ Mamadi Jiana broke the deadlock. The Norwich University player is no stranger to Vermont, and his goal would be the decider.
The Green will now look to finish the season strong with two league matches remaining. They’ll need some assistance to earn a place in the playoffs, however, as six points will not be enough unless Seacoast United Phantoms or Western Mass Pioneers drop points.
