A Transborder Rivalry Renewed
On May 29, the Vermont Green women's team will step onto the historic grass of Virtue Field for the third edition of the Maple Cup, a single‑match contest that pits the Green against a prominent Quebec side.
The Green have been busy in the offseason, welcoming three Quebecois sophomores from the University of Memphis — Alex Mackay, Evelyn Mackay and Elise Perron — as well as local product Grace Johnson, who grew up in South Burlington and now stars for the University of Maine.
Lakeshore SC, based in Kirkland, Québec, arrive as the defending Ligue1 Québec Féminine champions, though their current campaign has been a mixed bag of one win, five losses and two draws.
Beyond the competition, the Maple Cup is as much a cultural exchange as a sporting fixture. The trophy, carved from ambrosia maple wood harvested in Vermont, will be lifted alongside a gallon of locally produced maple syrup, a sweet nod to the shared heritage of the two communities.
The event also underscores the long‑standing bond between Vermont and Quebec soccer circles, a relationship that has seen the Green defeat Quebec clubs in friendly matches twice over the past two seasons.
Fans can look forward to a celebration that blends sport, community and a taste of Vermont’s famous ice cream, courtesy of a partnership with Ben & Jerry's.