PK-35 Vantaa Women 0–1 HPS Women
Finnish Kansallinen Liiga – 4 July 2026

HPS Women secured a gritty 1–0 away victory over PK-35 Vantaa Women at the Myyrmäen jalkapallostadion on Saturday evening, climbing into the upper half of the Kansallinen Liiga standings. The only goal of the match arrived in the 63rd minute when HPS attacker Nea Lehtola capitalised on a defensive mix‑up to slot home from close range.

The home side started brightly, pressing high and forcing an early save from HPS goalkeeper Emma Visti in the 12th minute. PK‑35’s midfield duo of Iida Salmi and Roosa Pitkänen controlled the tempo through the first half‑hour, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third prevented them from turning dominance into goals. HPS, by contrast, grew into the contest after the break, with left‑back Milla Kovanen providing the cross that led to the decisive moment.

Key moments

• 12′ – PK‑35’s Hanna Koivisto had a curling effort tipped over by Visti.
• 34′ – HPS winger Sara Aaltonen struck the crossbar with a 25‑yard free‑kick.
• 63′ – Kovanen’s low cross was missed by the PK‑35 defence; Lehtola poked home from six yards.
• 78′ – PK‑35 substitute Mari Hämäläinen saw a header cleared off the line.
• 88′ – HPS keeper Visti made a stunning save to deny Laura Kivistö’s volley.

Match overview

The contest was a tight, tactical affair typical of the top tier of Finnish women’s football. PK‑35 Vantaa enjoyed 54% possession and registered 12 shots to HPS’s 9, but their finishing let them down. HPS defended resolutely, with centre‑backs Emilia Törmä and Veera Leinonen winning 18 aerial duels between them. The visitors’ ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter proved decisive.

Standout players

• Emma Visti (HPS) – Made five saves, including a crucial double stop in the 82nd minute.
• Nea Lehtola (HPS) – Scored the winner and held the ball up well as the lone striker.
• Iida Salmi (PK‑35) – Covered every blade of grass in midfield, with 89% pass accuracy.

Season impact

The win lifted HPS to fourth place in the Kansallinen Liiga table, just three points behind leaders Åland United with a game in hand. PK‑35 Vantaa, meanwhile, dropped to seventh, but remain only two points clear of the relegation play‑off spot. The result also extended HPS’s unbeaten run to five matches, while PK‑35 have now lost three of their last four home games.