COLCHESTER, Vt. — Vermont Clover FC passed its first true test of the season Saturday afternoon, rallying from behind to defeat Dorchester 3–2 at Duffy Field and remain perfect through three matches.

In a game that delivered on its billing as an early measuring stick, the Clover (3-0) showed both attacking quality and resilience, overturning a second-half deficit in front of a lively home crowd.

It was a familiar name that got things started. Oliver Nigro continued his fine form in front of goal, opening the scoring after a slick sequence with Sharmarke Hassan. Hassan’s quick footwork created space before he dragged the ball back into Nigro’s path, and the forward calmly slotted home to give Vermont the early advantage.

Dorchester responded before the break, capitalizing on a defensive miscue that sparked a quick counterattack. José Andrade finished from point-blank range to level the match and send the Clover into halftime without a lead for the first time this season.

The visitors wasted no time carrying that momentum into the second half. Just 30 seconds after the restart, Andrade struck again, punishing another failed clearance by rifling a shot into the top right corner. Suddenly trailing 2–1, Vermont faced its first real adversity of the campaign.

What followed was a composed and determined response. The Clover settled into the match over the next 20 minutes, tightening up defensively while beginning to generate chances in the attacking third.

Their breakthrough came in the 67th minute. A Matteo Paganini cross aimed toward Michael O’Connor drew contact in the box, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Sean Butler stepped up and delivered under pressure, firing low to the goalkeeper’s right to even the score and ignite the home crowd.

With momentum fully shifted, Vermont struck again just seven minutes later. Paganini, influential throughout the second half, delivered a pinpoint corner to the back post, where Nigro was waiting to guide home his second of the match and restore the Clover lead.

Both sides pushed in a tense final stretch, but Vermont held firm defensively to see out the result and secure another home victory.

Nigro was named Man of the Match for his two-goal performance, while Paganini, Nigro, and Kagan Hance, making his debut for the club earned New England Conference Team of the Week honors.

Now sitting at a perfect 3–0, the Clover will look to carry their momentum on the road when they travel to Holden, Massachusetts on April 25 to face New England Combine FC, who are still searching for their first win of the season.