Vermont
Vermont Green FC announce more women’s matches, return of Sam Mewis
UVM soccer: NCAA championship parade on Burlington’s Church Street
Fans flocked Church Street to celebrate UVM men’s soccer’s historic national championship with a parade and rally.
Sam Mewis and the Vermont Green Football Club women’s team are returning to Virtue Field this summer.
Following 2024’s successful debut, the former United States national team star will once again coach the Vermont Green women for a pair of exhibition matches, the Burlington soccer club announced Thursday. Last summer, Mewis’ squad defeated FC Laval 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation in front of a sold out crowd at Virtue Field.
The 2024 event was established in hopes of adding a full-time women’s franchise. Adding a second exhibition game for this summer is a positive step in that direction, said Adam Pfeifer, the club’s sporting director.
“(Last summer) was an unforgettable experience for our club, community, and team, but it was just the beginning of our commitment to the women’s game,” Pfeifer said in a news release. “We’re very happy to be doubling our training and match experience for the women’s squad in 2025 as we continue to sustainably build our infrastructure with the goal of a permanent women’s team playing in a league as soon as possible.”
The women’s team will play Flower City 1872 of Rochester, New York, at Virtue Field on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, June 14, they will play AS Blainville of Montreal at 6 p.m.
“Coaching with Vermont Green last summer was one of the highlights of my year. I am so happy to be back with the club this season and I can’t wait to offer my perspective and experience playing professional soccer all over the world,” Mewis said in the same news release. “Vermont Green is made up of an incredibly thoughtful and intentional group of people who are actively growing the soccer scene here in Vermont.
“The fans of this club have blown me away with their support, engagement, and passion. With two games this summer and an entire week of training, we will set our players up for success both with us and beyond, and we’ll set the stage for Vermont Green Women to grow into something even greater.”
The team’s full roster and staff will be announced in June during training camp. To purchase tickets for the exhibition matches, visit tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.
The Vermont FC men’s squad embark on their fourth season in the USL League Two with the Maple Cup vs. FC Laval at Virtue Field on Saturday, May 24.
Taylor promoted to Vermont Green FC head coach
Chris Taylor has been promoted to head coach of the Vermont Green FC men’s squad ahead of the 2025 season, the club announced this week.
Taylor, who has served as assistant coach with Vermont since 2022, is the current head coach of SUNY-Plattsburgh. Taylor replaces three-year head coach Adam Pfeifer, who will continue in his role as sporting director, according to a news release.
“I am deeply honored to be named as the next Head Coach of Vermont Green FC,” Taylor said in a statement. “Joining the club in 2022 was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am excited for this next step. Following Adam is a big task, but his support and that of the club will make this transition work. I am grateful to Adam for not only bringing me in, but trusting me from day one with numerous responsibilities. I am determined to help the club succeed and give our fans another great summer.”
Peifer caps his tenure as head coach with a 39-11-4 record in all competitions. That includes a second-round appearance in last year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.