Vermont Green FC eyes the 2027 US Open Cup
Vermont Green FC, the USL2 champion and recent Steinbrecher Cup victor, has earned an automatic berth in the 2027 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament that boasts a $1 million prize pool and a historic trophy that has launched many American soccer stories.
The team’s recent form includes a 1‑0 victory over Portland Hearts in the 2026 First Round, a match decided by a strike from forward David Ismail that underscored the squad’s knack for clutch moments.
In the Second Round, Vermont Green faced Westchester SC and fell after a tense penalty shootout, a setback that adds a layer of narrative to their campaign.
Earlier in 2024, the club hosted two Open Cup fixtures, defeating Lexington SC 4‑3 with goals from Zach Barrett, Nick Lockermann, Jacob Labovitz and Jake Ashford, before slipping to a 2‑1 loss against Carolina Core FC.
A million‑dollar opportunity
The competition’s 111th edition not only offers a $600,000 champion’s award but also a pathway to the CONCACAF Champions Cup and a place on the Dewar Challenge Trophy at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
With Nashville SC entering as the defending champion after a 3‑1 final win over Austin FC, Vermont Green’s quest will be measured against a landscape that blends tradition with fresh ambition.