USL League Two has announced that Owen O’Malley’s 99th minute, division-winning goal against Western Mass Pioneers has been named 2025 Goal of the Year.
The League Two staff selected 16 of the top goals from the 2025 season as nominees for the Goal of the Year fan vote.
O’Malley’s wonderstrike was scored on July 11th at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA. After going down 0-2 against the Pioneers, the Green staged an improbable–and now legendary–comeback dubbed the Miracle at Lusitano. Zach Zengue scored to make it 1-2 in the 95th minute, before O’Malley’s rocket leveled the match at 2-2 in the 99th. The goal meant that Vermont had snatched the Northeast Division title from the Pioneers in the dying embers of stoppage time, claiming the first piece of silverware in club history.
The goal also secured hosting rights for the first round of the playoffs. Head Coach Chris Taylor credited the comeback for sparking the eventual national championship run.
“First off I just want to say thank you to the fans, my teammates, the staff, the owners, everyone behind the scenes, for an unforgettable season, truly everyone played their part. As for the goal of the season, again thank you! This wouldn’t be possible without any of you. Up the Green!” said O’Malley.
O’Malley’s stunner defeated Laredo Heat’s Sergio Meza, who scored a self-assisted bicycle kick goal against Fort Lauderdale United. O’Malley’s goal received 55% of the final vote.
Congratulations Owen, and thank you Vermont Green FC fans for voting!