Vermont Green’s dream inaugural season came to an end Sunday night in Newport News, VA after a 2-1 defeat to Long Island Rough Riders.
Vermont went into the match confident despite the exhaustion of travel, the southern heat, and Friday night’s battle with Lionsbridge FC. The Green started the match strong against the #5 seed Rough Riders.
It was a particularly impressive defensive performance in the first half, but a well-designed sequence from Long Island saw Vermont go down in the 25th minute. The Boys in Green did not let the deficit weigh on them long though. In the 34th minute, Owen O’Malley found Connor “Turbo” Tobin from a corner kick, the veteran centerback’s header brought the Green level.
The second half continued to see the Green weather the storm of the Rough Riders attack, but in the 81st minute the Long Island side were able to counter from a Vermont corner, slotting home a heartbreaking late goal to go up 2-1. The score would hold, and the Green’s fairytale inaugural season would come to a close.
Despite exiting the tournament, the overwhelming feeling in the team and staff is that of pride, hope, and gratitude. Thank you to everyone who supported the club this season from Vermont and all around the globe. We love you, and UP THE GREEN!