Vlora FC versus FC Manitou | UPSL Men’s Premier Division | May 13, 2026 | Saint Paul, MN
Starting XI: Alvaro Arce, Kiwami Vassell, Oscar Alvarez, Adonay Hanns, Avery Larsson, Liam Johnson, Jasper Goldstein, Johnson Bondo, Justin Martínez, Francisco Nava Gomez, Aaron Bartee
Vlora FC’s UPSL Premier men’s team improved to a 2-0 start to the 2026 season on May 13, beating FC Manitou 3-0 at Macalester College. The win came from a dramatically different game compared to Vlora’s home opener against Rochester, earned against a well-organized visiting side that kept their formation compact and crisp.
The opener came through unconventional means in the 22nd minute, following a few half chances for both teams and solid saves from both goalkeepers, Liam Johnson playing for Vlora. Aaron Bartee scored the goal suddenly, taking the ball down the right wing, deep toward the corner, and sending in what appeared to be a cross, before bending toward goal and past the diving fingers of the Manitou goalie. The ball sunk into the far post, making it 1-0. Neither side could find another goal in the first half, with the Vlora cause helped ny several big challenges from center back Kiwami Vassell and some hard running from Justin Martínez and Adonay Hanns. It was 1-0 at halftime.
Vlora made a series of changes at or soon after halftime, bringing in both Jeronimo Zelaya Diaz and Redouane Baarab to dictate the right side of the pitch. It was a messy start for both teams, with Manitou rediscovering their momentum and organization after being thrown off by Bartee’s goal. Manitou’s threat was helped the presence of Marlon Seahorn Jr., a recent Bloomington Kennedy graduate who broke the school’s boys soccer career scoring record and was named the Star Tribune boys soccer All-Minnesota player of the year. Seahorn and co. forced a number of big saves from Johnson, but continued to struggle to add to the goal tally of eight they brought with them to the game.
Vlora’s patience paid off in the 79th minute. Nicolas Gallegos, another substitute on the day, sent a dangerous ball into the box from 30 yards out. That pass found a perfect home on the head of Justin Martínez, who rocketed a header into the back of the net and made it 2-0. Martínez’s goal paid off a night of hard work upfront and left Manitou with just 11 minutes to respond. The visitors did attempt that, but it was Vlora who scored the night’s final goal as Gallegos got onto a ball won by Juan Lagares, beating the keeper and slotting it home calmly to make it 3-0, the final score.
Man of the match Nicolas Gallegos spoke to club press after the game, sharing his positive start with the club after a goal and assist in his debut. Gallegos plays college soccer at Saint Thomas Aquinas College and is an Ecuadorian midfielder.
“I’m really happy to play my first match here and I’m happy to start to get to know my teammates. I’m hoping we can win a lot together,” Gallegos explained. “I think we’re starting to get to know each other on and off the field. I think both are important. I think with time, we are going to be a great team. I’m here to help the team. That’s my first priority. I want to win everything we can and go far this season.”
