Vermont Soccer Team Makes History With Second Title Win

Vermont Green FC just did something no team has ever accomplished in USL League Two history. The part-time soccer club won its second consecutive national championship Saturday night, defeating Flint City Bucks 2-1 in front of 6,000 fans.

The Green finished their season with an incredible 18 wins, one draw, and zero losses. Head coach Chris Taylor has never lost a league game with the club, riding a 42-game unbeaten streak that shows no signs of stopping.

The championship match stayed scoreless through halftime before Vermont broke through in the 62nd minute. A cross from winger Diego Rosas resulted in an own goal when a Flint City defender accidentally knocked it into his own net.

Flint City answered immediately with a header from Matthew Paiva to tie the game 1-1. But Vermont wasn't finished yet.

Substitute David Ajagbe entered the game in the 73rd minute and immediately drew a penalty when goalkeeper Steve Clark pulled him down in the box. Midfielder Ryan Zellefrow calmly converted the penalty kick into the lower left corner, scoring what would be the championship-winning goal and earning himself the Final MVP award.

Zellefrow had been unstoppable throughout the playoffs, scoring five goals and adding three assists across five games. "It's a great group of guys, great organization, and I'm so happy for everyone," he said after the match.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story even more remarkable is who these players are. Vermont Green FC's entire roster consists of college players who return to their universities within days of winning a national championship.

Over 100 supporters made the trip from Vermont to Michigan to cheer on their team. Cofounder Patrick Infurna says that kind of community support gives players something to fight for.

"Our guys walked out there and they saw so many people from back home there to support them," Infurna explained. "You better believe that stuff makes guys want to go an extra step, an extra mile."

The club plans to celebrate however they can as players scatter back to college programs nationwide. The championship trophy will make appearances at University of Vermont games, and Infurna hopes local municipalities and the state will help recognize what these players accomplished.

The team's success didn't stop with the men either. Vermont Green FC's women's team reached the national final in their very first season, showing this small Vermont club is building something special for the entire community.