Vermont
Experienced pros have Vermont Green women’s team on cusp of USLW playoffs
Vermont Green men’s team Chris Taylor praises team after home opener
Vermont Green men’s team head coach Chris Taylor talks with the media following the Green’s home opener victory
The Vermont Green women’s team is predominantly a home for college players to play in a professional atmosphere during the summer. Yet there are a trio of seasoned overseas professional soccer players who are playing for the Green this summer to help them find their next stop.
Two members of that trio, defender Chloe Gorman and midfielder Brenna Connell, are both over the age of 30, playing with teammates nearly a decade younger while defender Hannah Kroupa graduated college in 2023. Yet, rather than taking time away from the pitch, they are spending the summer in Vermont.
Here’s why these professional soccer players opted to play for the Green, a short two-month season where the players don’t get paid.
Vermont Green is a launching pad to finding a new team
All three players learned about the team the same way — the Player’s Network, which is a group to share opportunities and resources among female soccer players around the world. Head coach Abby Carchio sent out a message in the group publicizing the Green. The trio all jumped on the opportunity.
Both Connell and Gorman have spent the last few months training and thought the Green was a great opportunity to get some minutes and film to help them sign with a new team later this summer.
“The desire of the club to truly provide a professional-level atmosphere and resources and the community is so behind the club, it seemed like a super unique opportunity,” Connell said.
Connell, Gorman and Kroupa are helping the Green make history in their debut season. The Green are currently one of eight undefeated teams still standing in the USLW with a 5-0-4 record.
Gorman has had a crucial role, playing every minute in the Green’s 10 games (which includes the Maple Cup) with she and Kroupa anchoring the back line. That defense has only conceded six goals entering Vermont’s final regular season game against New England Mutiny on Saturday, June 27.
Kroupa and Connell have appeared in a handful of games as well. The duo teamed up on a goal in Vermont’s 2-0 Maple Cup victory, with Kroupa earning the goal in her club debut. Both players have also contributed an assist in an official USLW match.
“I’m really thankful I have gotten a lot of minutes here especially after not being with a club for a year,” Connell said. “It felt good to prove to myself that I can still do this and contribute a lot.”
The Green can capture the Northeast Division title and earn a spot in the USLW playoffs with a win against Mutiny on Saturday, June 27.
Vermont’s amateur status impresses the professional soccer trio
Gorman, Connell and Kroupa have played all over the world, including stops in Greece, Hungary, Israel, Portugal and Germany among other countries. The aspect that stands out to them is how ingrained Vermont Green is to the broader community.
“It means a bit more here,” Gorman said. “It’s different to finish a game and have a 100 girls and parents come up to you and thank you, acknowledge that this is a big step in women’s sports.”
The organization takes great care of the players doing more than professional teams do. The team has found housing for everyone with Kroupa, Connell and Gorman living together in college-style housing.
“Playing abroad, it’s really hit or miss with what a club can provide for you,” Kroupa said. “Even having someone do the laundry of training gear that you wouldn’t think about in college … simple stuff like that is such a big difference.”
The older players are also surrounded by some of the country’s top college players such as Caitlin Mara, Brooke Birtwistle, Georgina Clarke and Olivia Grenda.
The main difference between college soccer and a professional team has been honing in on the details and adding extra care to each decision.
“Just being conscious of your play and decision making of the reasoning behind something and the cleanliness of the play,” Gorman said.
Besides serving as role models, the trio are helping Vermont Green remain feeling professional which is leading to results on the field of a winning club in Year 1.
Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.