Vermont Green FC kicked off the 2025 USL League Two season by claiming all three points on the road at Boston City FC. Second half goals from Tyler Trimnal (60’) and Stephane Njike (68’) were complimented by a debut clean sheet from goalkeeper Judewellin Michel.
Chris Taylor’s first Starting XI of the season featured Michel in the net, Captain Moussa Ndiaye and Victor Akoum at centerback, with Brattleboro High School alum Ayoub Lajhar at left-back, and Owen O’Malley out right. In the middle of the park, Eskil Gjerde and Julien Le Bourdoulous sat behind attacking-minded veteran Zach Zengue. On the wings, Enzo Dovlo and Mohammed Ibrahim flanked new number 9 Tyler Trimnal.
The Vermonters enjoyed the majority of the possession from the first whistle, applying pressure and creating chances from the wings. Minutes before the break, Trimnal put the ball in the back of the net from a corner kick, but it was ruled to have handballed it in the process.
The first half ended deadlocked, and without a goal.
Chris Taylor made no changes at half-time, trusting the cohesion of his starting group to find the season’s opening goal. In the 59th minute, Eskil Gjerde was taken down in the box, earning a penalty for the Green. Debutant Tyler Trimnal stepped up to the spot and buried the ball to the keeper Kevin Gil’s right, just past his outstretched hands.
After the goal, Trimnal was replaced by Arnaud Tattevin, and Enzo Dovlo, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Ayoub Lajhar were replaced by Stephane Njike, David Ajagbe, and Daniel Lang respectively. Moments later, Rui Aoki replaced Owen O’Malley, and with the final substitution Julien Le Bourdoulous and Zach Zengue made way for Diego Rived and Marcell Papp.
The fresh attacking trio of Njike, Tattevin, and Ajagbe totally overwhelmed the Boston backline with their pace and skill. In the 68th minute, Ajagbe whipped a cross from the right wing to the crashing Njike, who elegantly controlled the ball out of the air before coolly smashed it home. The insurance goal secured all three points for the Green.
Vermont Green FC will head back to Boston on Wednesday, May 21st to take on Boston Bolts at Brandeis University. The Green will return home on May 24th for the Home Opener Maple Cup against FC Laval.
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Judewellin Michel, Owen O’Malley, Moussa Ndiaye, Victor Akoum, Ayoub Lajhar, Eskil Gjerde, Julien Le Bourdoulous, Envo Dovlo, Zach Zengue, Mohammed Ibrahim, Tyler Trimnal.
Subs — Ben Woelfinger, Stephane Njike, Daniel Lang, Arnaud Tattevin, Marcell Papp, Rui Aoki, David Ajagbe, Bruno Rosa.
Boston City FC — Kevin Gil, Matthew Belluardo, Dilmurodjon Melikuziev, Abdul Barrie, Diego Pierantozzi, Juan-Pablo Correa, Paulino Rodrigues, Ford Lee, Kyle Joyce, Aidan Sullivan, Jean Leonardo Dos Santos.
Subs — Jake Moulton, William Paganini, Jefferson Fidalgo, Matheus Donascimento, Uhunoma Fredrick-Ilekuoba, Yannick Gomes, Rafael Matta, Francisco Valck, Jesus Mariluz.
Scoring Summary
VGFC: Tyler Trimnal – 60’ (PK), Stephane Njike — 68′ (assist from David Ajagbe).
Referees: David Vishniac (R), Elizabeth McDonald (AR1), Jamie Marshall (AR2), Nathan Terry (4th)
Weather: Overcast and very windy, 63°F
Attendance: 104
Postmatch Quotes
“It was a very professional performance in a difficult environment to open the season. The professionalism and patience from the team was impressive. It took us a while to get the opener today, but the performance was very good. The impact of our substitutes was a highlight today, they came in with an incredible attitude and instantly increased our level. We are very happy to get 3 points and a clean sheet.”
– Chris Taylor, Vermont Green FC Head Coach
Next Match
The USL League Two season continues midweek as Vermont Green FC return to Boston to take on Boston Bolts on Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm. Follow @vermontgreenfc on social media for streaming information.
