Yaniv Bazini Becomes Vermont Green FC All-Time Leading Goalscorer
Yaniv Bazini has made history
Anytime you get to witness history be made, it is a precious opportunity and Saturday’s record-breaking performance in Burlington was none different.
Vermont Green FC has had some unusual scoring issues this season. The club that is known for lighting up the scoreboard, had only tallied seven goals in four matches played prior to Saturday’s match against AC Connecticut.
Striker Yaniv Banzini came off the bench to start the second half for The Green and ensured that would equal their season output in a single match. His second-half output also saw him become the leading goalscorer in club history.
“It means a lot,” the striker said when asked about his achievement and his career with The Green. “Vermont Green did a lot for me and I'm happy that I can return it back by scoring and bring the team to where they need to be. So I’m happy to play here and fortunate to have this crowd and to help the Vermont Green go forward.”
There was a lot of uncertainty for Bazini prior to his return to The Green. Head coach Adam Pfeifer revealed after the match that Bazini could have decided to go pro but decided to return to The Green and the University of Vermont in the fall.
Bazini is your prototypical No. 9. He has the size and strength to win any duel as well as the finishing quality you expect from a striker. On Saturday he showed off his touch as well chipping the goalkeeper on two occasions.
For teammate Xavi O’Neil, playing with Bazini is a breeze.
“It’s super easy playing with Yaniv,” The Boston College winger said. “He always makes the right runs, he has a big presence up top so it's just easy to play with a striker like that with that much quality. I think me and him combine well, especially building a connection on and off the field, it just allows us to build chemistry and it makes it easier to play with him.”
While Bazini has already broken the record, he will no doubt add to his tally. Whoever replaces the striker when his time with The Green is up will have some big shoes to fill.