Vlora stays undefeated after TwinStars draw

May 13, 2025 | UPSL | Brooklyn Park, MN
Vlora Starting XI: Rodolfo Batisti, Ignacio González, Avery Larsson, Dane Hanks, Deq Jama, Juan Montoya, Easton Hoch, Hugo Pérez, Ciro Ottado, Redouane Baarab, Vasco Bernandes

Vlora FC earned its first draw of the 2025 premier division season on Tuesday, May 14, facing the Minnesota TwinStars in a 1-1 stalemate at Park Center High School.

The TwinStars opened the scoring with a wild opening goal, scoring a goal from 30-plus yards out after a turnover created a quick counter attack opportunity with the goalkeeper off his line. A darting run from Easton Hoch allowed the forward to intercept a pass amongst the TwinStars backline in the 39th minute, before charging in on goal and scoring for his ninth goal-involvement of the season in just four games. Neither team could grab the lead in the second half, resulting in one of the few draws the conference has seen so far this season.

The game marked the first time Vlora had faced the TwinStars in a competitive match. The TwinStars are a historic club in Minnesota lower league history, having been members of the NPSL for multiple decades prior to joining the UPSL this season. Their last game prior to this draw was a 4-0 loss to 18×26 Academy, but the club seem ready to compete now.

Vlora will now have a break from league action, before returning to the UPSL to host Superior City on Sunday, May 25th. That game will be a double header with two clubs’ women’s teams.