SOUTH BURLINGTON — Defending a state championship is never easy. The Milton Yellow Jackets found that out Saturday afternoon, battling until the final horn before falling 3-2 to the Rice Memorial Green Knights in the Vermont Division II boys soccer championship at South Burlington High School.
The defending 2025 Division II champions entered the title game looking to make it two straight, and for most of the first half, Milton and Rice appeared evenly matched.
Both sides battled for possession and opportunities throughout the opening 40 minutes before the Green Knights finally broke through in the closing minutes of the half, taking a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Rice wasted no time adding to its lead after halftime.
Just 11 seconds into the second half, the Green Knights found the back of the net again, suddenly putting Milton in a 2-0 hole.
The Yellow Jackets answered quickly.
Forward Jack Tomasi connected on a pass from fellow forward Killian Choquette to put Milton on the board and cut Rice’s advantage to one.
Rice continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, generating a number of opportunities around the Milton goal. Goalkeeper Brody Allard and the Yellow Jackets’ defense repeatedly stepped up to keep Milton within striking distance, but the Green Knights eventually broke through for a third goal.
Milton still wasn’t finished.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Choquette again found Tomasi, who scored his second goal of the afternoon to make it 3-2 and give the Yellow Jackets one more chance to rally.
Milton pushed forward in the final minutes, searching desperately for an equalizer that would keep its championship hopes alive. The Yellow Jackets created pressure and continued fighting until the final seconds, but the tying goal never came.
When the horn sounded, the emotion of the moment was evident across the Milton sideline. For the Yellow Jackets’ seniors, it marked not only the end of a championship game, but the final time they would take the field together wearing Milton colors.
Despite falling one goal short of another state title, head coach Jack Hubbard said the result did little to diminish what his team accomplished during the season.
“It was a great season all around,” Hubbard said. “We knew it would be hard defending the State Championship and the boys bought into the process. Although, we weren’t able to get it done in the final, I’m still very proud of the growth on and off the field from our players.
“This team is full of special athletes and special people. These boys know they represent our school and community and they do it so well!”
A year after capturing the Division II championship, Milton returned to the biggest stage in Vermont high school soccer and came within a single goal of extending its title defense.
The Yellow Jackets may not have left South Burlington with another trophy, but they closed their season the same way they played the championship match — fighting until the very end.
The Yellow Jackets enter the field ahead of the Boys Varsity Soccer Division 2 Champion game against Rice – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
The team huddles and Head Coach Jack Hubbard addresses the team before the game – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
The team gets into rondos to warm up for the Championship game – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Head Coach Jack Hubbard preparing for the game – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Fans, family, and friends adorn the fence with supporting signs – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Fans, family, and friends adorn the fence with supporting signs – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Yellow Jacket supporters and friends exccited for the game to start – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Assistant Coach Corey Lombard warms up Goal Keeper Brody Allard – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Fans, family, and friends adorn the fence with supporting signs – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Fans, family, and friends adorn the fence with supporting signs – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Goal Keeper Brody Allard warming up
Fans, family, and friends adorn the fence with supporting signs – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Forward, and senior, Alexander Harlow (20) warms up – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
The Yellow Jackets enter the pitch as they get called up during the opening ceremon – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
The Yellow Jackets and the Green Knights during opening ceremonies of the Division II Championship – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Yellow Jackets huddle together – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Yellow Jackets huddle together – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Forward Chase Renaud (17) is looking for a passing opportunity as he moves the ball up the field – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Defender Wyatt Wooten (19) takes a free kick – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
The Yellow Jackets form a defensive wall – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Maxton Greenfield (8) takes a throw-in – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Chase Renaud (17) moves the ball up the field – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Chase Renaud (17) moving the ball up the field – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Half time talk from Head Coach Jack Hubbard – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Chase Renaud (17) moving the ball up the field – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Chase Renaud (17) faces pressure from the Green Knights – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Jack Tomasi (10), Chase Renaud (17), and Killian Choquette (9) and addresses fans after the Yellow Jackets score a goal – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Midfielder Joshua Rhoades (16) looks on – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Defender Matthew Shedd (11) takes a throw-in – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Goal Keeper Broady Allard (0) makes a return punt – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Defender, and senior, Brock Bushey (22) takes a throw-in – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Midfielder Joshua Rhoades (16) fighting for possession – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Defender Brock Bushey (22) makes a header – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
Yellow Jacket falls to the pitch as the final horn sounds the end of the game. Yellow Jackets fell 3-2 – South Burlington, VT, October 31, 2026.
