Vlora FC versus Rochester FC | UPSL Men’s Premier Division | May 3, 2026 | Saint Paul, MN
Starting XI: Ivan Panergo, Micah O’Leary, Alvaro Arce, Owen Burshem, Alan Molina, Kiwami Vassell, Oscar Alvarez, Adonay Hanns, Avery Larsson, Liam Johnson, Jasper Goldstein
Vlora FC’s UPSL men’s premier team opened their season with flying colors on May 3, hosting Rochester FC in a 10-0 victory at the team’s new home, Saint Paul’s Macalester Stadium. Sunday’s game provided an opportunity for familiar and new faces to show head coach Allan Segura where they are at when it comes to competitive play and several names impressed.
First half
Vlora dominated the possession from kick off, seeing multiple early chances saved or go wide. The first Vlora goal of the UPSL season arrived in the 10th minute as Alan Molina set up Jasper Goldstein for a crisp finish in the box. Avery Larsson won a contested ball near the 18-yard box and set up Adonay Hanns for Vlora’s second goal.
Hanns had a landmark day with Vlora FC, leaving the stadium as the day’s man of the match with four goals and three assists. Hanns has long been a known name in the UPSL and has even previously played with Vlora, although he spent the last few seasons with 18×26 Academy, where won the Midwest-West conference championship in 2024.
Micah O’Leary notched two assists, scored by Molina and Hanns, to increase Vlora’s lead to 4-0 in the 31st minute. Hanns then provided an assist for Prince Akonkoh, before O’Leary added a goal of his own to get Vlora ahead 6-0 heading into halftime. Rochester had moments of danger, hitting on the counter and working the left wing, but Vlora’s backline handled it all and goalkeeper Liam Johnson was largely untroubled on his debut.
It was a strong 45 for Vlora as the club looked to kick off 2026 on a high note following a 2025 season that saw the team make a strong post-season run, before losing out in the conference final. Vlora had questions to answer on game day one, a process that got off to a smooth start last Sunday.
Second half
Vlora made a number of changes at halftime and soon after the restart, including Jeronimo Zelaya Diaz, JJ Bondo, Juan Lageres, Emiliano Sosa, and Daher Jama. Each player brought new elements to the team as they looked for their next goal. Rochester bunkered down and prevented any additional scoring for some time, but Hanns was there to break the deadlock in the 63rd minute, completing his hat trick with an assist by Bondo.
Bondo, off the bench and on the right wing, had quite the second half. His assist was followed by two goals to raise the lead to 9-0, before Hanns had the final word with a clever fourth goal in the 89th minute as Vlora climbed to a 10-0 lead and final score.
Vlora FC’s next men’s premier game will be on Saturday, May 9, as they travel to play 1826 Academy at North St. Paul High School. The team’s next home game will be against Manitou FC on Wednesday, May 13.
