Match Report: Vermont Green FC 2-1 Albany Rush

Vermont Green FC earned three points in a hard-fought road win on Saturday afternoon against Albany Rush in Schenectady. Yaniv Bazini scored twice and continues to lead the nation in goals scored this season. The Boys in Green remained unbeaten through six games, with a 5-0-1 record. 

Adam Pfeifer was unable to attend the match in Schenectady due to a bereavement leave of absence, the experienced Assistant Manager Chris Taylor took the helm in Pfeifer’s absence. 

Taylor’s Starting XI consisted of Francesco Montali in goal and Moussa Ndiaye the captain at center back. Joining Ndiaye on the backline was center back partner Sjur Drechsler, and outside backs Gerardo Castillo and Bernardo Prego. Rodri and Sam Layton held down the center of the park with Carlos Zambrano sitting in front of them, central to the attack. New signing Yann Toualy played on the right wing opposite of Jackson Castro, and Yaniv Bazini led the line up top.

The Green started the match well, maintaining the lion’s share of the possession as they would throughout the afternoon. In the 24th minute, Yann Toualy charged through midfield with the ball, beating opponents before laying it off to the streaking Yaniv Bazini. The striker received the ball, made a lovely cut back, and followed up with a delightfully placed, left footed finish into the side netting. Yann Toualy picked up a minor knock in the lead up to the goal, and was replaced by Xavi O’Neil before the match restarted.

Just six minutes later, Vermont Green FC earned a corner, and made the most of their opportunity. Zambrano took the corner, floating the ball to the far post where Sjur Drechsler waited to head the ball across the face of goal. Sam Layton was the next of the towering Greens to get a head on the ball, arching it perfectly goalward. The final touch came from the USL League Two Golden Boot leader Yaniv Bazini, who nodded the ball past the keeper, completing his brace. 

The Vermonters went into the break up two goals and in complete control.

After the break, Zach Zengue entered the match for Carlos Zambrano.

Ten minutes into the second half, Albany Rush scored after the Green failed to deal with a floated free-kick to the back post. The set piece finish was the hosts only real chance on the day.

The Green spent the rest of the match searching for a third, attacking relentlessly against an Albany side that continued to defend well. Chris Taylor made two more changes late in the second half: Nathan Simeon replaced Castro, and a few minutes later Jacob Labovitz came in for Bazini.

The final stage of the match saw Vermont Green re-establish their control and hold onto their lead. O’Neil, Zengue and company had a few more looks on goal, but the score would remain. The match ended 2-1 to the Green, a scoreline that didn’t quite reflect the dominance of the Vermonters, but was three important points nonetheless. 

Vermont Green FC now prepare for a top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday night in New Hampshire when the Boys in Green travel to face back-to-back defending Northeast Division champions, Seacoast United Phantoms. 

The Green return to Virtue Field on Saturday, June 15th at 7:00pm to face Western Mass Pioneers. Get tickets before they’re gone: tickets.vermontgreenfc.com

Scoring Summary

VGFC: Yaniv Bazini – 24′ (assist from Yann Toualy), Yaniv Bazini – 30′ (assist from Sam Layton).