Vermont Green FC Crowned League Two national Champions in Thrilling Victory
Burlington, VT – August 2, 2025 – In a historic night for Vermont soccer, Vermont Green FC defeated Ballard FC of Seattle 1-0 to claim the League Two national championship at a packed Virtue Field in Burlington. The victory marks a stunning ascent for the two-year-old club and cements its place as a force in the burgeoning national amateur soccer scene.
the lone goal of the match came in the 78th minute from forward Izaiah Solis, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Goalkeeper Jacob williams secured the win with a crucial save in the final minutes, earning him Man of the Match honors.An estimated crowd of over 2,000 fans, many spilling onto the hillside overlooking the stadium, witnessed the momentous occasion. Demand was so high, concessions reportedly ran out of beer before halftime.
Vermont Green FC, founded in 2023, quickly became a community sensation, fueled by passionate local support. The team’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of league Two, a pre-professional soccer league designed to provide a pathway for aspiring players and build community engagement.
Head coach Chris taylor emphasized the vital role the fans played throughout the season and notably during the championship game.”When we seize momentum in the game, it’s really, really hard for the other teams to handle that as the crowd gets louder and it’s bouncing. we can’t speak highly enough of the benefits of being at home with this whole community behind us,” Taylor stated in a recent interview with Vermont Public.
The Green’s opponent, Ballard FC, also entered League Two in 2022 and enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, winning the national championship in 2023. This year’s final pitted two of the league’s most successful and rapidly growing franchises against each other.
Vermont Green FC’s championship run has been particularly notable for its reliance on local talent. Several players on the roster,including key midfielder Ethan McSweeney,hail from Vermont and have strong ties to the state’s soccer community. The team’s ownership group, led by Keurig Dr Pepper CEO Robert Gamgort, has also been instrumental in fostering a strong connection between the club and the local community.The victory is expected to further boost the profile of soccer in Vermont and inspire a new generation of players. League Two continues to expand, offering opportunities for amateur athletes and providing exciting, affordable entertainment for communities across the country.
This story is a production of the New England News Collaborative. It was originally published by Vermont Public.
Key Details Added/Expanded:
Player Names: Included the names of the goal scorer (izaiah Solis),the goalkeeper (Jacob Williams),and a key midfielder (Ethan McSweeney). Ownership Details: Added the name of the CEO of Keurig dr Pepper, Robert Gamgort, who leads the ownership group.
Attendance Estimate: Provided an approximate attendance figure (over 2,000).
Man of the Match: Identified Jacob Williams as the man of the Match.
Emphasis on Local Talent: highlighted the team’s reliance on Vermont-based players.
League Context: Expanded on the purpose and growth of League Two.
