Playoff Match Report: Vermont Green FC 3-1 Long Island Rough Riders

Vermont Green FC came from behind to defeat Metropolitan Division Champions, Long Island Rough Riders 3-1 on Friday afternoon, with all three goals coming from Jacob Labovitz. The Green will now advance into the Sweet 16 of USL League Two Playoffs, and will face division rivals Seacoast United Phantoms on Sunday night in Ocean City, NJ.

Adam Pfeifer made a handful of changes from the previous match against Reading United. Jahiem Wickham was the first name on the teamsheet yet again, minding net for the Green. In the backline, the captain Moussa Ndiaye paired with his comrade Reid Fisher at center back. They were flanked by Nathan Siméon and Nick Lockermann at right and left back respectively. Daniel Pacella made his return to the starting lineup alongside Sam Layton in midfield, with Zach Zengue and Jackson Castro playing wide. Yaniv Bazini and Jacob Labovitz paired as strikers to complete the starting group.

The Green and their Long Island counterparts both came out of the gate with intent to play attacking football, which led to a fair amount of chances early on.

In the 25th minute, Jahiem Wickham made a fantastic diving save to keep things level, but the ensuing corner kick led to the opening goal from Long Island.

After the goal, the Green applied pressure of their own in search of the equalizer. In the 39th minute, the work was rewarded. Nathan Siméon launched a ball into the box for a crashing Jacob Labovitz, who headed the ball off the crossbar. The veteran forward pounced on the rebound and slotted home the equalizer. 1-1.

Just six minutes later, Siméon again played his part, this time rocketing a shot from distance that was saved by the keeper, but only as far as the lurking Labovitz, who headed the ball over the line.

Vermont led 2-1 at the break.

After half-time, Vermont found themselves oftentimes on the back foot, but settled into a confident and controlled absorb-and-counter-attack style. Changes in the second half included Mohammed Ibrahim, Ryan Combe, and Gabe Threadgold, all adding their own defensive and offensive elements to the match. Lucas Windschauer entered the match at right back, putting in an important shift to keep the Green in the lead.

After battling for 90 minutes, Jacob Labovitz left one final mark on this match, completing a legacy performance for the striker. Unleashed on the left side by Ibrahim, the Soccer Post Burlington owner paced his way past the final defender, positioned himself centrally, and guided the ball past the keeper. A well earned hat-trick for the big man.

Vermont Green FC now advance to the Round of 16 of the USL League Two Playoffs, and will play Seacoast United Phantoms on Sunday night.

To get into the Round of 8, Vermont Green will have to stare down their Twin State rivals, who swept the home and home series in the Northeast Division this season.

Get ready for a classic.