FLINT, MI - Through multiple iterations, USL League Two is set to crown a champion for the 31st time. The 158 club members of the league slugged it out for the past few months to get to this point; some participating in the US Open Cup, some in the USASA Amateur Cup, and some hosting friendlies during the arduous season. Through divisional and conference playoffs, we have now reduced the league down to its two strongest challengers for the 2026 USL League Two trophy; four-time title winners, Flint City Bucks vs the reigning champions, Vermont Green.

Flint City Bucks vs Vermont Green

The league final will kick off today at Atwood Stadium in Flint, Michigan. The home of the Flint City Bucks was originally constructed in 1929, with renovations in 1995 and 2015. It can seat up to 11,000 and while it would be a stretch to sell-out, the Bucks’ President Costa Papista told me “We've been around three to four thousand consistently. I do think we'll be over five tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is a little bit of weather moving in, so it could be a little bit damp.” He went on “I think for a game of this magnitude, you know, we had seven thousand in the building for the final in 2019. So, I do think fans will accept a little bit of rain to watch two of the best teams in the country go at it.”

Flint City Bucks are back-to-back-to-back winners of the Great Lakes Division, earning 31 points from 12 played (2.58ppg). Oliver Moller-Jensen led the way with 11 goals and 6 assists. Remi Agunbiade is on 6 goals for the year, Sean Albritton and Richard Ludwig each have 5; 19 more goals added by 12 other goal-scorers. During the regular season, the Bucks only held onto 2 clean sheets but in the playoffs they shutout their opponents three times and allowed only 1 goal. Goalkeepers Hugo Amo had 10 saves this year and Gavin McConville had 8.

Atwood has been their fortress the whole way through the playoffs; beating FC Buffalo 2-0 on Friday, July 17th. Then winning the Central Conference Semi over Steel City FC, 2-1, on Sunday July 19th. Five days later, the Bucks knocked off Peoria City 4-0 then advanced to the Final by eliminating another former champion, Ventura County Fusion, 1-0. While every player has played their part, we asked about the return of a Michigan legend, Goalkeeper, Steve Clark, “He was really excited to be able to step in and help us. It's so much more than goaltending; it's his leadership, his just his relationship with the guys has been incredible. It's like having another coach out there.”

The reigning champions, Vermont Green, are challengers this year; travelling from Burlington to Flint to try and become the first back-to-back champions since the Cape Cod Crusaders (2002 & 2003). Only the Chicago Sockers (1999 & 2000) and Central Coast Roadrunners (1996 & 1997) are the other sides to accomplish that task.

When asked about their level of success in such a short time, co-founder Patrick Infurna said, “It's certainly an incredible feat, I think. And we have a lot of people to thank, but you know it really starts Adam Pfeiffer and his vision which has been phenomenal. I really think in many ways, whether it be what he's done in USL2 or the way he's built teams for the Open Cup, he's kind of changed the game a little bit.”

Infurna was sure to give Sporting Director Pfeiffer loads of credit, as well as complimenting the relentless dedication of Head Coach Chris Taylor, “These guys have their roots in college soccer, so, they see this as a really awesome opportunity to put together these quality teams of players from across NCAA; put them in the same place and be a part of their development to get to the next level.”

Vermont Green won their Northeast Division for a second consecutive season; 40 points from 14 played (2.86ppg), going unbeaten in the regular season, and playoffs, for two years. Jeremy Fancou led the way with 18 goals and Ryan Zellefrow added 10. Diego Rosas bagged 7 goals and added a team high 12 assists. 19 more goal-scorers poured in 46 additional goals, so far, this season. While the Green had impressive, high-scoring, lopsided results, they were defensively outstanding as well. Creating turnovers, being first to second balls, and capitalizing off of mistakes - Seth Wilson made 19 saves and Jeremi Abonnel had 10 of his own while they earned 4 clean sheets in the regular season.

To get to the final, VGFC had three more clean sheets and allowed only the one goal in a National Semifinal blowout of a very tough Laredo Heat, 7-1. They blanked Ironbound SC, 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Quarters back on July 17th; shutdown Ocean City Nor’Easters 4-0 on July 19th; and held Asheville City scoreless, 4-0, in the Eastern Conference Final on July 24th. Now the Green take the USL League Two Defender of the Year, Brandon Marshall up to Atwood to see if they can defend their title from the record title holders.

“I say this with humility, but I think when it comes to the type of team we have, you go out there and you play your style and you let the other team adjust it or or or perish. You know what I mean? So, they're going pay a ton of attention to Flint, who, by the way, are just the cream of this league. They have four national championships. They're the best in the business you know in amateur soccer.” Infurna said. “We want to recognize that flat out. This is a serious football club and we're we're honored to play against them. We're honored to play in their place, in their stadium. But, I think our team is going to go out there and play our style and just do what we've done best and and hope to win.”

by Joshua Duder