Vermont Rallies Past Dartmouth in 3-3 Thriller #9 Catamounts Stage Dramatic Comeback with Late Goals to Share Points in Six-Goal Classic
BURLINGTON, VT – Ninth-ranked Vermont completed a spirited comeback to draw 3-3 with Dartmouth in an electrifying encounter at Virtue Field, with the Catamounts twice fighting back from two goals down to salvage a point in dramatic fashion.
The match's first breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Dartmouth's Trenton Blake carved through the Vermont defense to slot home the opener, silencing the home crowd and giving the Big Green a deserved lead after a strong opening period.
Vermont's response was swift and decisive. Nick Lockermann thundered home the equalizer in the 29th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area to restore parity with a powerful right-footed finish that left the Dartmouth goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The second half saw Dartmouth seize control through Eidur Baldvinsson's clinical double strike. The forward first struck in the 53rd minute with a composed finish from 12 yards, before extending the visitors' advantage eight minutes later with a well-placed header that seemed to put the Big Green firmly in command at 3-1.
But Vermont, showcasing the resilience that has defined their top-10 ranking, mounted a remarkable comeback. Philipp Kuehn ignited the revival in the 76th minute, unleashing a spectacular left-footed drive from the edge of the box that reduced the deficit and energized the home supporters.
The Catamounts' persistence paid off with five minutes remaining when Maximilian Kissel completed the comeback, rifling home from close range after a sustained period of pressure to level the scores at 3-3, sending Virtue Field into raptures.
Vermont's tactical switch to a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation in the final twenty minutes proved crucial, overwhelming Dartmouth's tiring midfield and creating the spaces that led to their late equalizer.
Key Players
Eidur Baldvinsson (Dartmouth) - Brilliant brace highlighted by clinical finishing and aerial prowess
Maximilian Kissel (Vermont) - Scored crucial equalizer and drove team's late resurgence
Philipp Kuehn (Vermont) - Spectacular strike sparked comeback and changed match momentum