​The Vermont Green FC women’s team always believed they could be among the last two teams standing in the USL W, even as the league entered its inaugural season. Their core strength has come from a dependable group of Boston College players, including starters Olivia Shippee, Emily Mara, Sophie Reale, and Tess Barrett, who formed the backbone of the squad as they advanced to the national semifinals. That quartet did the heavy lifting when Vermont Green clinched a spot in the USL W national final with a 1-0 victory over Asheville City SC on Saturday, July 11, at a sold-out Virtue Field. The championship match is set for Saturday, July 18.
From the outset, Mara said, the team’s potential was clear. “We didn’t want this to end … we wanted to keep winning to stay together,” she reflected. The two teams exchanged chances in a tightly contested first half, with both goalkeepers—Shippee for Vermont Green and Asheville’s Lillian Heaslet—calling the shots on every loose ball. The turning point came after halftime, when Vermont Green’s strength began to tilt proceedings in their favor. Postgame, Shippee and Mara highlighted the team’s reputation as a second-half squad, a distinction they showcased in the club’s most meaningful game to date. “That locker room was buzzing at halftime, ready to get the win,” Shippee recalled.
Early in the second half, Mara delivered the moment of offense the Green needed. Receiving the ball near the stands, she navigated through several Asheville defenders and fired a shot through traffic that found the back of the net, giving Vermont Green the lead and the lone goal necessary to push the team into the final. Mara’s score marked her third goal in three playoff matches, underscoring her pivotal role for a Vermont Green side that has captured national attention in its first year of competition.
That goal proved enough for Vermont Green (9-0-4) to extend its season to the final week, adding another compelling chapter to a season already highlighted by the men’s team, who captured the 2025 USL League 2 title. The men’s squad is preparing to host playoff games on July 17 and 19, further fueling the club’s momentum and fan interest as the community rallies behind both squads.
Head coach Abby Carchio emphasized the players’ commitment to the Green badge. “The players we recruited are here because they want to bleed green and play for the badge,” she said, underscoring the club’s mission to attract top-level talent from around the country. With Boston College as the closest Power 5 program in proximity, six BC players chose to spend the summer with Vermont Green, and the chemistry they share as college teammates has translated directly into the team’s success. “Our core BC players work so well together, and we’re building an engine around them while bringing everyone else into the fold,” Shippee explained. “Emily Mara, Tess Barrett, and I are in sync; we know where everyone is at all times.”
Beyond the forward momentum, the Vermont Green defense has been exceptional as well. Shippee and the back line have not conceded a goal since June 22, extending a four-game shutout streak. Over the last four matches, the team has outscored opponents 9-0, a testament to the squad’s balance and discipline from front to back. Shippee’s performance in the dying seconds of regular time—rushing out to claim a final corner kick for Asheville City and securing a vital catch—epitomized the team’s grit and poise when it mattered most. As the Green prepare to face their next challenge in the national final, the blend of veteran leadership, young talent, and a shared belief in the club’s mission continues to drive their remarkable run.