Vermont Green vs Portland Hearts of Pine

Photography by: Luke Stergiou

Heart Stoppers. It was one of the greatest nights in Open Cup history. The two star-crossed teams from Vermont and Maine, finally getting the chance to meet in the big dance. It was such a momentous occasion that over 10,000 people applied for the 2,000 tickets available. No one wanted to miss this inaugural derby between two clubs that have emerged as shining beacons of hope for the future of soccer in America. And it didn’t disappoint.

Despite the temperature nearly reaching zero shortly after kickoff, the thousands of Vermonters who descended upon Virtue Field with flares, flags, drums, and a spectacular tifo, made things feel as fervent as any summer night in Burlington. And it was more than enough to propel their players—many of whom just met for the very first time over the weekend—to slay an opponent a whole division above them.

The magic of the Open Cup meeting the indomitable spirit of Virtue Field. It doesn’t get any better than that. What an honor to have gotten the chance to witness and cover it first hand.