Match Report: Vermont Green 1 - Seacoast United 3

Vermont Green FC suffered its first defeat at Virtue Field in 364 days, falling 3-1 to defending divisional champions, Seacoast United Phantoms on Saturday night in front of an energetic sold-out crowd of 2,500. 

Vermont Green came flying out of the gate to the delight of the Virtue Field faithful, as the entire stadium erupted in cheers at Gevork Diarbian’s 4th-minute goal. The left-winger weaved his way through the defense and let fly, curling the final product in the far corner. 

The strong start was followed by dominance in possession for the Green, and had it not been for a Seacoast equalizer in the dying moments of the first half, Adam Pfeifer’s side would have gone to the locker room the clear favorites for all three points.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Seacoast scored on a volley to beat Christoffersen and take their lead. From there, Seacoast would start to dictate more of the play, but ultimately it was their defensive efficiency that kept the Vermonters from finding an equalizer. Giorgio Probo and Zach Zengue were able to ignite the Green offense, but were unable to unlock the defense of the New Hampshire side.

Max Murray, no stranger to the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field, would add a third goal to complete the scoreline.

“The loss isn’t going to kill us, we have a game on Monday and get back to our winning ways and get on a little run here–it’s the only option,” said Head Coach Adam Pfeifer. 

“We’ve got to keep going, we’ll see them again at their place next time and it’ll be a different result then,” said Jake Ashford.

Vermont Green will have a quick turnaround and a big opportunity to bounce back as they cross the Connecticut River to take on Black Rock FC in New London, NH on Monday afternoon. The boys return home to Virtue Field two days later for a celebratory friendly with Kingston Stockade FC for “Maple Night” on Wednesday at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now.