Vlora FC versus Granite City | UPSL Men’s Premier Division | June 14, 2026 | Saint Paul
Starting XI: Oscar Alvarez, Redouane Baarab, JJ Bondo, Hernan Burdiles, Owen Burshem, Adonay Hanns, Juan Lagares, Avery Larsson, Thomas Menna, Ivan Panergo, Hector Trigueros
Vlora’s men’s premier team played its final regular season game of the 2026 season last week, hosting Granite City with plenty on the line. Vlora began the day in second place with 18 points, while St. Croix were in first with 21 points and all of their games already played. This meant a win could see Vlora retake first place, while a tie would keep them favorites for at least third place, if not second.
Sunday evening started on a sour note. Vlora’s Hector Trigueros received a controversial red card for committing a foul as the last defender, reducing Vlora to 10 men with just eight minutes played against Granite City. Vlora responded well to going a man down, staying in the mix, but Granite City did eventually capitalize on the deficit, scoring the opening goal off a defensive error.
Things began to look dire for Vlora, but the hosts found a remarkable answer late in the first half. It started with a free kick for Vlora, earned via a hand ball at the top of the box. Juan Lagares stepped up to take the free kick, going for a lofted scooping shot over the wall and into the left corner. The ball fell perfectly, leaving the goalkeeper planted on the spot as the score changed to 1-1.
Vlora were already happy with the tie going into halftime, but they got an even better deal just before the whistle. Lagares got the ball during a quick counter attack and instantly sent the ball out to Adonay Hanns. Hanns sprinted forward, getting into the box, and weaving into space as defenders and the keeper swarmed him. A calm finish into the net made it 2-1. The whistle blew soon after and Vlora had a lead to defend after a messy, scrappy first half that saw both teams experience highs and lows.
Both teams entered the second half looking for a goal and Vlora got a chance to score theirs in the 50th minute after Hanns was brought down in the box, earning a penalty kick. Lagares’ attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper, keeping Granite City in the game. It took 30 minutes for a deciding moment to arrive as both teams continued to poke at one another for a goal. It was Granite City who scored, clipping in a shot off a messy sequence following one of several late corner kicks, arriving at a final score of 2-2.
The result means Vlora will end the regular season with 19 points, confirming a spot in the playoffs. Vlora will have to wait for Granite City’s final game of the season against the TwinStars on June 16 to know their exact place in the playoffs.
Women’s team
Vlora’s women’s team was also busy on June 14, traveling to play the Minnesota TwinStars, a game that resulted in a 4-2 win for the hosts. Marissa Wentland and Sienna Latta scored for Vlora, providing high moments on a tough day. This keeps Vlora in third place in the Midwest-West North division with a 2-1-3 record and seven points.
The women’s next home game will be on June 25, when they host the Minnesota Bliss at Macalester Stadium.
