Morning Sports Update
One of New England’s soccer success stories wrote another winning chapter in the club’s “young but emerging history.”
August 3, 2026 | 10:47 AM
3 minutes to read
Vermont wins again: The status of Vermont as arguably New England’s leading soccer state got another boost over weekend as the local USL League Two side completed a second straight undefeated season.
Vermont Green FC, a definitional grassroots club that rose to prominence a year ago behind a magical run to the USL League Two title, has somehow repeated the feat.
In fact, it’s safe to say that Vermont dominated most of the postseason. Heading into Saturday’s final against the Flint City Bucks in Michigan, Vermont had totaled a 19-1 aggregate scoring advantage in four playoff games (including a 7-1 win over the Laredo Heat in the semifinal).
The final itself was more even matchup, with Flint City fighting hard in front of a home crowd. A scoreless first half was followed by a testy second 45-minute period. A Flint own goal was followed by their equalizer on a point-blank header less than five minutes later midway through the second half.
After a short period in which the game was once again level, Vermont substitute David Ajagbe broke through the defense and was taken down in the box by Flint City goalkeeper Steve Clark in the 76th minute.
Midfielder Ryan Zellefrow calmly stepped up and hit the ensuing penalty kick, restoring Vermont’s lead.
The final 15 minutes was a predictably frantic period, as the home team threw everything at Vermont in a desperate bid to find an equalizer. But for the second year in a row, no one in USL League Two had an answer for Vermont Green FC.
Vermont head coach Chris Taylor has now gone unbeaten in 42 straight games (35 wins, seven draws). He has yet to lose coaching the club.
“From the bottom of our hearts, to the players, Chris Taylor and his staff, and every single person who supports this club and pushes them forward, thank you for another unforgettable night in our young but emerging history,” the club’s recap concluded.
It’s not only Vermont Green’s second straight title, but the latest high point in an extraordinary run for the state’s success in soccer. The club’s women’s team recently made a run all the way to the USL W League National Final in its inaugural season. And in 2024, UVM men’s soccer won its first collegiate national championship.
Trivia: Only four Red Sox players have ever hit three home runs in a game against the Yankees. Can you name them?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Their initials are MV, KM, SP, MB.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Dodgers on Sunday in Los Angeles with an 8-4 win.
Boston returns to Fenway Park to begin a three-game series with the White Sox on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.
Also from Sunday, Boston Legacy FC tied Denver Summit FC 1-1.
More from Boston.com:
Red Sox power: Boston slugged three home runs on seven pitches during Sunday’s win in Los Angeles.
Mic’d up Patriots: Enjoy some Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye training camp soundbites.
On this day: In 1936, U.S. sprinter Jesse Owens won the 100-meter dash at the Berlin Olympics, one of his four gold medals. Owens set Olympic records in each event he won, helping to dispel the myth of racial superiority espoused by the dictator who was on-hand to watch.
Daily highlight: From over the weekend, Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez scored from distance.
Trivia answer: Mo Vaughn, Kevin Millar, Steve Pearce, Mookie Betts
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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