Vermont Green FC Storms Toward Championship Glory as America's Ultimate Underdog Soccer Sensation
Steel stands catching the fading amber glow of summer's end, spectators crowded together, with others watching from a nearby hillside, before the stadium lights illuminate the evening darkness. This familiar tableau defines high school football throughout America.
However, Burlington, Vermont presents a different picture. Here, soccer takes center stage—a sport experiencing its breakthrough moment in America's second-smallest state by population.
Playing in USL League 2, America's fourth tier, Vermont Green FC has won over the hearts of local residents. While it may seem distant from the metropolitan focus of next year's FIFA World Cup hosted in North America, it represents a crucial element in America's evolving soccer narrative.
As attendance increases for Lionel Messi and other stars throughout MLS in the premier division, the sport has reached a special milestone in Vermont—a state celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor culture, and now soccer at the 2,700-capacity Virtue Field.
In 2024, soccer demonstrated its significance to Burlington. Fans filled the stands as always, bundling up against the cold to witness the University of Vermont Catamounts claim their inaugural NCAA championship against Marshall University. A similar atmosphere nearly emerged during their semifinal victory last weekend.
Yet this excitement dims compared to what awaits Saturday evening, when the Green—featuring many of the same UVM athletes—face Seattle's Ballard FC in the USL League 2 Championship, marking another milestone in the emergence of America's newest soccer stronghold.
Burlington, VT: The Soccer City of the Moment
"A squad that has touched its community so deeply in such brief time," broadcaster Brian McLaughlin declared as post-semifinal festivities unfolded. "The Green had supporters encircling this venue throughout the evening, fans brought ladders from their homes and perched on barriers...[Vermont] stands as the soccer city of this era."
The Green operate as a fully amateur organization featuring talent from America, Canada and Europe, establishing themselves as a community-centered club while promoting environmental consciousness. Their mission emphasizes uniting people and minimizing ecological impact as much as capturing championships in the 152-team fourth division.
"We're passionate about sports, we're individuals who appreciate the game, but simply observing outcomes isn't sufficient," Patrick Infurna, co-founder of the four-year-old organization, shared with The New York Times. "We had to connect something meaningful to this endeavor."
Through these initiatives, the organization has worked to minimize environmental consequences from its activities, implementing deliberate modifications across all aspects from game-day procedures to utilizing uniforms made from recycled materials.
These numerous elements include collaborating with neighborhood businesses, plus renowned ice cream company Ben and Jerry's, who dispatch an electric ice cream vehicle to each contest—certain to be a major draw again Saturday evening, as the squad seeks to complete their perfect season.
"I believe it's an extraordinary narrative, regardless of our final outcome," Infurna shared with The Guardian. "I hope global attention will focus here, because this represents something truly remarkable, and Vermont's people merit that recognition."
Celebrity Eyes
While the organization and UVM have achieved success both competitively and through community outreach, their recognition extends well beyond the hillside and Virtue Field. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders counts among their supporters and has addressed crowds before matches during the current postseason campaign.
"I believe I represent our entire state in celebrating Vermont Green's remarkable season," Sanders declared at a recent fixture. "It's truly amazing that our small state has emerged as one of America's premier soccer destinations."
The squad has also attracted Vermont-based musical artist Noah Kahan, whose mental wellness program 'The Busyhead Project' established a collaboration with the club ten months prior. "They embody Vermont so beautifully," Kahan shared with Men in Blazers. "Having opportunities to watch Vermont Green compete and participate in their mission has been exciting, and their support of Busyhead Project has been meaningful—I'm thankful for their contributions to Vermont."
While the organization operates during challenging times, with their principles contrasting much of President Donald Trump's administration's direction, they've maintained an inclusive environment while staying true to their beliefs.
"It's certainly a complex political period in our nation," sporting director Adam Pfeifer shared with Boston.com. "Our organization holds its principles. We don't require every player or supporter to align completely with everything. However, we hope people remain receptive and everyone stays willing to participate in meaningful dialogue."
More Than a Moment
Nevertheless, despite their prominence, the Green harbor few aspirations of advancing within the American soccer structure, which currently lacks any promotion and relegation system.
Simultaneously, the organization maintains focus on local objectives and programs, even as international recognition arrives through their mission, detailed and creative uniform designs, and underdog competitive story.
"We're hoping this transcends a fleeting moment, becoming something we can maintain for years ahead," Pfeifer explained. "These past four years have shown consistency, but this has certainly represented a peak regarding their achievements and what we hope to contribute toward this community's success."