Vermont Green FC has triumphantly claimed the USL2 National Championship, capping an extraordinary and undefeated season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ballard FC. The thrilling final, held at Virtue Field in Burlington, saw the Green Mountain Boys clinch their coveted title in stoppage time, solidifying their place in history as the nation’s top amateur soccer club.
A pivotal figure in Vermont Green FC’s late-season surge and ultimate triumph was Maximilian Kissel, a German striker whose arrival as a late addition proved instrumental. Kissel, renowned for his clutch performances, echoed his previous heroics for the University of Vermont by delivering the decisive volley in the dying moments of the match, igniting a wave of elation among the 5,000 strong crowd.
The championship encounter itself was a tightly contested affair, with Vermont Green FC initially taking the lead in the 50th minute through a penalty kick expertly converted by midfield maestro Julien Le Bourdoulous. However, Ballard FC swiftly equalized just 12 minutes later, courtesy of Charlie Kosakoff’s header, setting the stage for a tense battle where both goalkeepers, Niklas Herceg for Vermont and Stockton Short for Ballard, delivered show-stopping saves.
Despite facing moments of jeopardy and an unaccustomed aggressive challenge from their opponents, Vermont Green FC showcased remarkable composure and resilience. The team’s journey to the final was marked by a series of comeback victories, demonstrating their ability to navigate high-pressure situations, including a recent penalty-kick shootout triumph that highlighted their mental fortitude.
The defensive backbone of the Vermont Green FC squad, anchored by USL2 Defender of the Year Moussa Ndiaye, played a crucial role throughout their dominant season. Ndiaye’s stellar performance helped the team achieve an impressive 10 shutouts and contribute significantly to their commanding 48-13 goal differential, underscoring their comprehensive strength on both ends of the pitch.
Throughout the match, both teams created numerous scoring opportunities, with early attempts thwarted by exceptional defensive plays and vigilant goalkeeping. Key moments included Nathan Simeon’s perfectly timed slide tackle, crucial saves by Herceg, and a disallowed Vermont goal due to an offside infraction, all contributing to the escalating tension before the dramatic conclusion.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute following a corner kick, where attacking midfielder Zengue controlled the ball and delivered a precise diagonal pass into the penalty area. This setup created the perfect opportunity for Maximilian Kissel, who positioned himself expertly to volley the ball past the Ballard goalkeeper, securing the 2-1 victory and sparking an immediate, jubilant celebration.
As the final whistle blew, sealing their 16-0-3 unbeaten season, the Vermont Green FC champions made a triumphant beeline towards their devoted fans, celebrating not just a national title, but the culmination of a season defined by talent, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This victory marks a significant milestone in the club’s history, cementing their legacy in the annals of USL2 soccer.
