BURLINGTON, VERMONT — Vermont extended its winning streak to three matches with a 2-0 victory over UAlbany on Friday night, controlling a match that remained scoreless through 54 minutes before the Catamounts broke through decisively in the final stretch. The home side's superior possession and shot volume finally translated into goals when David Ismail opened the scoring in the 55th minute, followed by Philipp Kühn's insurance goal late in the match. Vermont's defense limited the Great Danes to just one shot on goal across 90 minutes.
The breakthrough came when Ismail capitalized on Vermont's relentless pressure, finding the back of the net in the 55th minute with an assist from Kühn and Marcos Blasco Devesa. The goal rewarded the Catamounts' first-half dominance, though they had been unable to convert numerous chances before halftime. Vermont's attacking players—including Nick Lockermann, Nicolas Loebus, and Marcos Blasco Devesa—had tested UAlbany's defense repeatedly in the opening 45 minutes, but goalkeeper Benedikt Rachor stood firm when called upon.
Vermont's first half was a masterclass in attacking intent. The Catamounts generated 16 shot attempts and eight corner kicks, keeping UAlbany pinned back for long stretches. Lockermann came closest to breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute when his shot struck the woodwork. Blasco Devesa also had multiple opportunities, while Kühn's efforts sailed high. Despite this barrage, UAlbany's defense held firm through sheer determination, with Lucas Watt committing a handball foul in the fourth minute that could have proven costly.
The second half saw Vermont maintain its dominance while UAlbany offered little in the way of attacking threat. The Great Danes managed just four shot attempts after the break, with Ethan Cook's effort in the 76th minute representing their best chance. UAlbany's frustration mounted as the match wore on, evidenced by yellow cards issued to Alexander Clive Vokes for dissent, Cook for unsporting conduct, and David Pepple for dissent. Vermont's composure paid dividends when Kühn sealed the result in the 90th minute, putting the match beyond doubt.
The statistical disparity told the story of a one-sided affair. Vermont out-shot UAlbany 23-4 overall and 11-1 on target, while also dominating the corner count 8-2. UAlbany's goalkeeper made nine saves to keep the deficit manageable for as long as possible, though Vermont's second goal ultimately proved inevitable given the sustained pressure. Vermont's defense, meanwhile, required just one save to preserve the clean sheet.
Ismail and Kühn emerged as Vermont's standout performers, combining for both goals while maintaining the intensity that defined the Catamounts' performance. Blasco Devesa's creative work in midfield provided the platform for Vermont's attacking success, consistently finding dangerous positions despite UAlbany's attempts to disrupt the flow. For the visitors, Cook and Rodrigo Hermelo worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances, though they received limited support from their teammates.
The victory improves Vermont to 11-0-5 overall and extends their unbeaten run at home. The Catamounts have now won three consecutive matches and appear to be hitting their stride as the season progresses. UAlbany, meanwhile, falls to 5-6-4 after the loss, snapping a two-match unbeaten streak that included a 2-0 win over Binghamton last weekend.
Vermont travels to Binghamton on Tuesday for a 6:07 p.m. matchup, while UAlbany hosts UMass Lowell the same evening at 6:30 p.m. The Great Danes will look to bounce back quickly after this disappointing road performance.