While the Iona campus experienced amazing 73-degree weather on April Fool’s Day, Westchester FC, the local professional club in Westchester County, took on the Vermont Green in Virtue Field at the University of Vermont. The Blue and Yellow faced off against the Green in a sellout crowd of 2,500, one of their toughest opponents yet in the 111th edition of the U.S. Open Cup. The match went to a penalty shootout to decide the winner of the second round of the U.S. Open. In a turn of events, both goalkeepers had stellar performances, but in the end, heroic saves from Westchester’s Matias Molina decided the Green’s fate.
Nonetheless, Vermont Green fought to the end as true champions before their encounter with Westchester FC. They come not only from being USL League Two champions, but also from having players from the NCAA national champion University of Vermont. The loss against Westchester FC marks their first defeat since July 21, 2024.
Westchester, on the other hand, came from two losses, a draw, and one win prior to their encounter. With a handful of injuries, the first half looked nervous for both sides, with Westchester playing a back-four. In the last minutes of the game, with the score being 0-0, Westchester’s Samory Powder had the opportunity to score, but a save from the Vermont keeper was vital for the tie breaker to stay intact. Early in the game, Molina came out of his line several times to stay one step ahead of the Vermont forwards, which was vital in the tie. Charlie Dickerson from Westchester had a stellar performance at left-back, winning 90% of one-on-one encounters and recovering the ball throughout the game.
Due to Westchester FC being founded in 2024 and having only one season under its belt, this was the first time the two teams met, and what a game it was. Following a thriller week, Westchester plays Sarasota Paradise at home on April 4th and then returns under the lights again on April 14th to face off against New York City FC in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open Cup in The Stadium at Memorial Field. I also want to note that Westchester’s coaching staff includes former Iona Alumni Guiliano Santucci and the squad contains former Iona player Tim Timchenko.
For tickets, go to their website and download the SeatGeek app. Come out and support Westchester FC.
A huge shoutout to the supporters of the 914th Infantry who went all the way to Vermont, and thank you for letting me tag along and witness the magic of the U.S. Open Cup.
