The National Football League ended with KuPS’s championship celebration, even though the silver team HJK pinched a point with a 2–2 draw. Åland United got the bronze medals.
22.10. 20:29•Updated 22.10. 20:37
The national league culminated in the meeting of the two best teams of the season, when KuPS, who had already secured the second consecutive championship, met the silver team HJK on their home field. The duo ended in a 2–2 (0–0) score.
At the end of the first period, KuPS had several good scoring chances, but the finishing was lame. In the second period, HJK took control and I am Sevenius was close to the opening goal already in the 53rd minute. At that time, the shot narrowly missed the post, but five minutes later Sevenius completed his 16th goal of the season with an accurate bottom corner shot.
Just a moment after this, KuPS got into a good attack. The goal was exhausted, but in the situation the home team’s goal stick Gentjana Rochi hurt his leg. After that, he was replaced.
HJK increased its lead to 2–0 in the 68th minute when Laura Hillberg followed the situation to the end and headed the ball that hit the top bar into the net. KuPS responded a minute later. Roch’s replacement Aino Kröger completed the 1–2 goal with his first touch of the ball.
Kröger became the home team’s hero in the very last minutes, as he scored the equalizer from a corner kick in the 89th minute of the match.
– Yes, it is the quality and everyday work that is done here. Great coaching and great players, Kröger told the secret of his team’s success.
The match was the last HJK captain For Essi Sainio, who ended his 20-year playing career this season. Sainio’s importance to Finnish football has been significant, and he has been a pioneer in women’s football.
– Essi’s career is amazing. He has seen ups and downs and many battles. He is a good role model for many young people, but everything comes to an end in time, Urheilu’s expert Pauliina Miettinen stated.
Sainio admitted after the match that his mood was mixed.
– I still can’t really put into words how I feel. They will probably come that evening, tomorrow and in the following months. Fortunately, all emotions are allowed in this world, Sainio stated.
The biggest stakes in the last round were in the match PK-35 Vantaa-Åland United, where the fates of the bronze medals were decided. Even a draw was enough for Åland United to win medals, and that’s what they got with a score of 2–2.
The home team PK-35 Vantaa briefly grabbed the bronze when they took the lead in the 53rd minute by Wilma Forsblom on the finish line. A few minutes later Katherine Loferski however, brought United up to par, and in the 65th minute he gave the islanders a 2–1 lead from a penalty kick. In overtime, Åland scored another own goal.
In the other matches of the round, league winners ONS and NJS played a 3–3 draw, PK-35 beat HPS 3–2 at home and FC Honka beat Ilves 3–0 away.
PK-35 finished fifth, HPS sixth, Honka seventh and Ilves eighth. NJS’ relegation to the First Division was already confirmed earlier, ONS will play the league qualifier against PKKU.
You can see the series tables at this link.
Update at 20:37: Kröger and Sainio’s comments added.
Read also: