Vermont Green FC will host Albany Rush in the 2026 home opener on Friday night. The defending USL2 champions are off to a flying start in league play this season, and look to extend their winning ways at Virtue Field in front of the league’s best fans.
HISTORY
Friday’s home opener will be the eighth match between the two clubs dating back to 2022, with the Green winning all seven prior meetings. The Vermonters hold the head-to-head edge, but matches against the Schenectady, NY-based club have historically been close affairs. This will be the only time the clubs meet this season.
The last time the two clubs met, the Green ran riot, winning 7-0. Zach Zengue scored a hat-trick and David Ajagbe recorded a pair of assists.
RUSH IN FOCUS
Albany Rush come to Burlington on Friday for their third match of the USL2 season. While the New Yorkers are 0-0-2, their losses have come at the hands of the perennial contenders Western Mass Pioneers, and the surging 4-0-0 New England FC.
Albany Rush, in USL2 since 2022, is one of two teams in the Northeast Division owned by Northeast Rush, a youth club that operates under the Rush Soccer umbrella. Rush is the largest youth soccer organization in the world, with 125 clubs and more than 60,000 players across 50 countries, and was acquired in 2025 by private equity-backed Pioneer Sports, which also owns the Surf Soccer network.
MILLER TIME
One of many bright spots so far this season has been two-time All-American midfielder Connor Miller. The Ivy Leaguer from Colorado joined the club in March for the U.S. Open Cup, where his composed style and cool demeanor played a critical role in taking down USL1’s Portland Hearts of Pine.
Wearing the 35 shirt, Miller has started all four matches in the calendar year, recording a goal and an assist against Boston Bolts on Tuesday. Chris Taylor clearly trusts the creative midfielder, and with the Virtue Field faithful behind him again, Miller could be the man to command the attack against Albany.
LAND CONSERVATION NIGHT
Friday night is Land Conservation Night at Virtue Field! We’re honored to have renowned Vermont-based environmentalist Bill McKibben speaking at halftime.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Miso Toh Kome, El Gato Cantina, South End Sliders, and Church Street Cheesesteaks will be serving on the concourse. As always, Ben & Jerry’s will be giving out free ice cream. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
TICKETS
For fans looking to get close to the action, on-field seats return for 2026. Available at every home match for an additional $10, these 200 first-come, first-served seats sit directly along the touchline in front of the east stand.
For a more relaxed matchday experience, fans are encouraged to watch the match for free on the hill behind the north goal. This dog-friendly, blanket-and-lawn-chair tradition is a cornerstone of the Vermont Green matchday.
STREAM THE MATCH
Vermont Green FC will broadcast the match live and with commentary at vermontgreenfc.com/streaming.