Vermont Green FC scored 9 goals against 10-man Providence City FC on Tuesday night in front of 2,115 fans at Virtue Field. David Ajagbe, Arnaud Tattevin, Diego Rived, Jacob Labovitz, Mohammed Ibrahim, Luca Costabile, and Victor Akoum all found the back of the net.
Chris Taylor made some rotations to his squad and showcased the quality of his depth. Niklas Herceg started the match at goalkeeper and wore the captain’s armband. The backline from left to right was Daniel Lang, Rui Aoki, Victor Akoum–who returned from concussion protocol–and University of Vermont’s Ioannis Vassiliou (making his Green debut). Joseph Picotto made his first start alongside Eskil Gjerde. In the attack, Marcell Papp was flanked by Rommee Jardily (also making his debut) and David Ajagbe. Arnaud Tattevin started up top.
David Ajagbe opened the scoring just 4 minutes into the match on a cross from Ioannis Vassiliou, and in the 25th minute, Arnaud Tattevin doubled the score. The Green dominated the possession, but the standout player in the first half was Providence City’s Colchester-native goalkeeper, Leland Gazo. The Vermonter made a number of big saves to keep the scoreline at just 2-0 at half-time.
After the break, Ayoub Lajhar and Diego Rived entered the match. Mohammed Ibrahim, Jacob Labovitz, Luca Costabile, and Tyler Trimnal all entered the match before the final whistle.
Just a few minutes into the second half, a Providence City midfielder received a second yellow for a late challenge, and reduced the visitors to 10-men for the remainder of the match. The mismatch became too much for the Rogues and the floodgates opened. Diego Rived scored to make it 3-0, before Jacob Labovitz scored a quick hat-trick, his second in a Green kit. Mohammed Ibrahim, Luca Costabile, and a late penalty from Victor Akoum completed the 9-0 tally.
It was a beautiful night in Burlington, but the light-hearted atmosphere will now become more serious as Chris Taylor’s men shift their focus to the weekend, when the Green will welcome defending League Two National Champions Seacoast United to Virtue Field for the Twin State Derby.
Lineups
Vermont Green FC — Niklas Herceg, Ioannis Vassiliou, Rui Aoki, Victor Akoum, Daniel Lang, Eskil Gjerde, Joseph Picotto, Marcell Papp, David Ajagbe, Rommee Jaridly, Arnaud Tattevin.
Subs — Judewellin Michel, Luca Constabile, Jacob Labovitz, Diego Rived, Ayoub Lajhar, Mohammed Ibrahim, Moussa Ndiaye, Amoni Thomas, Stephane Njike, Tyler Trimnal
Scoring Summary
VGFC: David Ajagbe, Arnaud Tattevin, Diego Rived, Mohammed Ibrahim, Luca Costabile, Victor Akoum, Jacob Labovitz (x3)
Referees: Jay Vallieres (R), Jace Laquerre (AR1), Elena Dauphinais (AR2), Corey Cenate (4th)
Weather: 70°F
Attendance: 2,115
Postmatch Quotes
“I never take for granted anytime I get to put on the kit of the best club and fanbase in the world. We will continue building on a great start to the season as we prepare for Saturdays match. UTG.” — #8 Jacob Labovitz
Next Match
It’s the Twin State Derby. Defending League Two National Champions Seacoast United will make their way to Virtue Field for an epic clash with the Green. The New Hampshire club is 0-1-1 on the season, desperately looking for their first win. The match will kickoff at 6pm on Saturday, May 31st. Be there.