A sold-out crowd of 2,700 supporters packed into Virtue Field in Burlington for the USL League Two semi-final against Dothan United. The outcome of that spot kick could decide the winner of the tournament and the future of the fourth-tier team. However, Vermont Green’s true strength lies not in its division but in its community.
The club, founded in 2021 alongside Sam Glickman and Patrick Infurna, has garnered significant attention for its grassroots approach to soccer. With Bernie Sanders as a supporter, the team’s ethos emphasizes focusing on the community and what makes it unique, rather than just league placement.
Vermont Green’s conversion of non-sports fans into supporters is remarkable, with over 90% showing enthusiasm for the club’s focus on social issues. The team’s success has made local journalists feel like part of something bigger.
As the USL League Two semi-pro/amateur level does not currently offer promotion and relegation, Vermont Green’s growth appears stagnant. However, a new first division is proposed for 2027, which may pave the way for future expansion.
Despite uncertainty about its future, Vermont Green remains focused on Saturday’s final against Ballard FC from Seattle. The team’s success has captured the nation’s attention, with many considering Burlington as “the soccer city of the moment.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/01/with-a-second-championship-in-sight-and-bernie-sanders-support-vermont-is-the-us-soccer-state-of-the-moment