World Cup champion Sam Mewis to coach Vermont Green FC women’s exhibition match

A World Cup champion will manage Vermont Green’s inaugural women’s exhibition match later this month, the Burlington soccer club announced Friday afternoon.

Former U.S. soccer midfielder Sam Mewis, 31, has been named coach for the women’s debut friendly against FC Laval of Ligue1 Québec. The match is scheduled for June 22 at Virtue Field. Mewis has been offering her assistance in Vermont Green’s early exploration of expanding into the women’s game. Last month, the club announced an annual women’s friendly game and its hopeful plans to add a women’s team.

Mewis, now a Vermont resident, said in a news release that she’s “excited and honored to be a part of Vermont Green this summer.”

“When I moved to Vermont, I really wanted to connect with the people here, enjoy the outdoors, and make an impact somehow,” Mewis said. “I can’t believe that an opportunity like this presented itself so quickly—to help grow women’s soccer with an environmentally conscious and social justice centered club.”

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The Massachusetts native made 83 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team. A member of the 2019 World Cup champions, Mewis also captured a NCAA title in 2013, three NWSL championships and an FA Cup with Manchester City during a standout career. And in 2020, she was named U.S. Soccer female player of the year.

Mewis, who retired from professional soccer earlier this year, hosts a podcast on the Men In Blazers digital network.

“This could not be a more exciting time for Vermont soccer,” Vermont Green sporting director and men’s coach Adam Pfeifer said in a statement. “Sam Mewis has competed and won at the absolute highest levels of the game. We are privileged to be able to work with her for this match and are grateful that she believes in the project. June 22nd is going to be an incredible celebration and a significant step forward for the club’s long term goals.”

More: Despite loss, Vermont Green FC proved it belonged on US Open Cup stage

Mewis’ staff for gameday will include assistant coach Brad Agoos and athletic trainer Kate Harney. They will work with Pfeifer on completing the roster in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the exhibition game are nearly sold out, according to Vermont Green. To purchase any remaining tickets, visit: tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.

Contact Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.