10-Year MLS Veteran Kenny Mansally Continues Playing Career with Bellevue Athletic in Pacific Northwest
Bellevue Athletic FC have announced the addition of 10-year Major League Soccer (MLS) veteran and former Gambia international Abdoulie Kenny Mansally, who has joined the club for the 2025 UPSL Spring season. The Seattle-area side, competing in the Pacific Northwest Premier Division of the UPSL, is excited to welcome the former New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake standout as they aim to build momentum early in their campaign.
Mansally brings a wealth of international experience and leadership to the Bellevue Athletic squad. He was a key figure in MLS during his decade-long career, notably winning the U.S. Open Cup with the New England Revolution in 2007 and helping Real Salt Lake reach the Western Conference title. He was also named MLS Player of the Week in 2010 after scoring a career brace—two goals in just 110 seconds. His signing is expected to bolster Bellevue’s attacking options and provide valuable guidance for younger players.
Reflecting on his career, Mansally said, “My soccer journey began in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, where I joined a local youth academy in my area. After graduating from the academy in 2005, that year was a breakthrough year for me—it marked the beginning of my professional journey and opened the door to international opportunities with the Gambian national team. In 2007, I represented my country at the FIFA U20 World Cup. During that tournament, I was scouted by New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol, and I went on to sign with the team later that year.”
After successful stints in the MLS with New England, Real Salt Lake, and Houston Dynamo, his transition to Bellevue Athletic was inspired by a familiar face. “I joined the UPSL after a friend of mine, Bellevue Athletic Assistant Coach Dawda Dibba—a former Bellevue Athletic player—inspired me to join the UPSL,” Mansally explained. “I saw him play in the league and asked him for his thoughts. He told me it’s a good league with very talented players, and that encouraged me to get involved. What I love most about the UPSL is the competitive spirit. It keeps me motivated and focused.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Mansally shared his optimism and commitment to the club’s success. “The UPSL is a highly competitive league, and I appreciate that intensity. It pushes me and the team to perform at our best. This season, you can expect a strong, focused effort from both me and the team. Dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice have shaped me into the player I am today, and I’m bringing that same energy into this UPSL season.”
Bellevue Athletic continues its spring campaign this weekend and is looking to climb the standings with the help of its newest veteran addition. To stay up to date on Bellevue Athletic FC and other top Premier Division teams, visit https://premier.upsl.com. For more info on how to join the UPSL, please visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team.
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1, Women and Academy divisions there are more than 600 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF. More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected].