Estonia international Markus Soomets made his debut in Norway’s First Division (OBOS-ligaen) on Sunday, coming off the bench in the second half of IK Start’s 0-3 loss to Lillestrøm SK – a clash between two of the league’s top sides.
The 25-year-old midfielder signed a long-term contract with Start earlier this week, committing to the club until 2027. He joined from Dutch second-tier side FC Den Bosch, where he spent half a season, making 17 appearances.
Soomets started the match on the bench in what was a crucial top-of-the-table encounter. Heading into the game, Lillestrøm held a four-point lead over Start at the top of the table.
While the opening half saw few clear chances, the deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute. Lillestrøm midfielder Lars Ranger struck a superb long-range effort into the top corner, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead just before halftime.
With his team trailing, Soomets was brought on early in the second half for club captain Eirik Schulze. The Estonian took up a deeper role in central midfield, operating primarily as a defensive midfielder.
However, just four minutes after his introduction, Lillestrøm doubled their advantage. After an initial shot was blocked, the rebound fell to Frederik Elkær, who lashed a powerful strike into the far corner to make it 2–0.
Lillestrøm continued to dominate, even rattling the crossbar, and added a third goal in the 86th minute. Following a slick passing move, 17-year-old Harald Woxen scored his first senior goal to seal an emphatic 3–0 victory.
Despite an active debut performance from Soomets, who played over 20 minutes, Start were unable to avoid a heavy home defeat. They remain in second place, but Lillestrøm now sit seven points clear at the top.
Next up for Soomets and IK Start is another challenging away fixture against third-placed Kongsvinger on Thursday – a key match in the promotion race, with just two points separating the sides.
