Burlington, Vermont – Maximilian Kissel cemented his name in Vermont soccer history, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time goal to secure Vermont Green FC's inaugural USL League Two National Championship. The decisive goal, netted in the 91st minute, propelled Vermont Green FC to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ballard FC at Virtue Field on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The USL League Two's official social media account exclaimed, "> MAX KISSEL CEMENTS HIS NAME IN VERMONT HISTORY BOOKS 🤯🤯🤯 @VermontGreenFC takes the lead in stoppage time ‼️"
The championship match saw Vermont Green FC and Ballard FC locked in a tight contest until the final moments. Kissel's game-winning strike mirrored his previous heroics for the University of Vermont, where he also scored a decisive goal in the NCAA championship, showcasing a remarkable ability to perform under pressure in critical moments. The goal came after a corner kick, with Zach Zengue delivering a pass into the box that Kissel converted.
Vermont Green FC's path to the national title was marked by a strong season, culminating in a sold-out crowd at Virtue Field, estimated to be well over 3,000 fans, who witnessed the historic win. The team had previously navigated through challenging playoff matches, including a penalty shootout victory in the national semifinals against Dothan United. This championship marks a significant milestone for the club in its relatively short history.
The victory not only brings the national title to Burlington but also highlights the growing prominence of soccer in the region. Kissel, a German native who joined the University of Vermont Catamounts in 2024, has quickly become a pivotal player for both his collegiate and summer league teams, consistently delivering clutch performances. His late-season addition to Vermont Green FC proved instrumental in their championship run.