Vlora FC came into their match against Bavarian SC as the only remaining club from Minnesota. The hosts had some early success this season, but this match would expected to be their toughest matchup so far. The match proved to be exactly that as Bavarian SC came out strong in the opening minutes of the match. It took a while for Vlora to get settled in to the match, but once they did Vlora FC was able to create a few chances, but were not able to capitalize. In the final 10 minutes of the first half Bavarian SC were able to scores two goals from corners. Down two at the half meant that Vlora has a tall task ahead them. On Sunday, they fell short of that task. Bavarian SC opened the half scoring a third goal, making it 3-0. Vlora FC scored a goal later in the half Jovan Carter (Suad Suljic). The game would end 3-1 in favor of Bavarian SC ending Vlora’s cup run.
Vlora FC Head Coach Carter Albrecht had some thoughts following the match.
‘Cup football can be equally as cruel as it can be joyous. We’ve experienced some of the latter, and today we got the former. Honestly, and I hate to say it, but they deserved to win more than we did. They were more composed in crucial moments, more consistent with their work-rate and mentality. We had our chances before and after going down — we didn’t play horribly at all — but we should’ve approached the match better. We can’t let ourselves down in these certain moments, moments that define matches.
Giving up two goals right before halftime, off set pieces, is really hard to see. Giving up a third shortly after the break is hugely disappointing. We should’ve been more prepared for these moments, these match-deciding, important moments. That’s my responsibility, and this result lies completely on my shoulders because of that.
However, moving forward, we can’t change this result. We can’t undo it. We can let it ignite a better version of how we play though, a better version of how we approach matches, a better version of our work-rate and mentality. We’re going to need to take this moment to learn, to push on in the UPSL campaign. We’ve started so well, but many tough matches and challenges still lie ahead. I think we’ll push on from this the right way. I think we’ll learn from this and be even better. My confidence in this group is unshaken. My confidence that we’ll take three points in St. Cloud in a week is irreproachable.”
The next match for Vlora FC is against UPSL opponent Granite City FC on Sunday, May 22nd at St. Cloud Tech High School at 3pm.
