David Ismail scored into an open net in the 40th minute, and Vermont Green FC advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup for only the second time in team history but shutting out Portland Hearts of Pine 1-0 on Tuesday night in Burlington, Vermont.
Vermont, the defending USL League Two champion, controlled play throughout and allowed only one shot on goal, a bid from the top of the box by second-half sub Emiliano Terzaghi that was easily handled by keeper Niklas Herceg.
The Green took the lead late in the first half, converting a 3-on-2 rush after a long lead pass. A shot from the right wing by Marco Dos Santos was turned aside by Hearts keeper Hunter Morse, but Ryan Zellefrow collected the rebound and found David Ismail all alone in front of the net for a tap-in.
Zellefrow, Ismail and Herceg are among five players on Vermont’s roster who won an NCAA title with the University of Vermont in 2024. The Green were undefeated in 14 matches last year.
Portland opened its USL League One season Saturday with a 3-1 road win against the New York Cosmos. Last season, Hearts reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Portland has two more USL1 road games, on Saturday against AV Alta FC in Lancaster, California, and next Saturday against Sarasota Paradise in Florida, before its home opener on April 11 against One Knoxville FC, the reigning league champion.