Josue Vergara missed a penalty but still found the net in what could prove to be his final appearance before departing for Belgium, helping FK Auda secure a comfortable 2-0 away victory over SK Super Nova in Tonybet Virslīga round 19.
The Panamanian talent, who was announced as a future player of Belgian side Gent last week, started for Didier Zanetti’s side amid growing expectations that this could be his last match in Auda colours before completing the move.
Auda began the match on the front foot and quickly tested Super Nova goalkeeper Sergejs Vilkovs, who was making his first appearance since 9 April. Eduards Dašķevičs threatened from a tight angle early on, but Vilkovs reacted well to keep the scores level.
The visitors continued to dominate possession while Super Nova looked to create opportunities through counterattacks. Their pressure paid off midway through the first half when Dašķevičs used his individual skill to burst into the penalty area before being brought down by Kristaps Romanovs, leaving the referee with little hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Vergara stepped up looking to add another goal to his impressive tally, but Vilkovs guessed correctly and produced an excellent save low to his left to deny the Panamanian striker.
Both sides had several dangerous set-piece situations before the break, but neither team was able to create a clear-cut chance as the first half ended goalless.
Vergara made amends shortly after the restart. Barthelemy Diedhiou delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and the 18-year-old forward rose above the defence to power a header into the net, scoring his 14th league goal of the season and giving Auda a deserved lead.
The second half was largely controlled by the visitors, who prevented Super Nova from building any attacking rhythm and continued to dominate possession. Their superiority was rewarded again in the 71st minute. Centre-back Ralfs Kragļiks delivered an excellent diagonal pass into the path of Kader Koné on the left flank. The winger cut inside, created space for himself and fired a precise low effort into the far corner beyond the reach of Vilkovs to double Auda’s advantage.
Super Nova struggled to create meaningful opportunities and had to wait until the 83rd minute for their first real chance of the second half. Amadou Samate tested Nils Toms Puriņš from a free kick, but the Auda goalkeeper remained alert and comfortably pushed the effort away.
Auda professionally saw out the remaining minutes to record their third victory in three meetings against Super Nova this season. The win strengthens their grip on third place in the Virslīga standings, while Super Nova remain sixth.
Auda will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to face Grobiņa, while Super Nova host FS Jelgava at Jānis Skredelis Stadium on the same evening.
SK Super Nova vs FK Auda – 0-2 (0-0)
Goals: Vergara 50′, K.Kone 71′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Riga FC |
19 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 59 | 19 | 40 | 48 |
| 2 |  RFS |
18 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 42 | 14 | 28 | 46 |
| 3 |  FK Auda |
19 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 36 | 23 | 13 | 38 |
| 4 |  FK Liepāja |
19 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 25 |
| 5 |  BFC Daugavpils |
19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 21 | 25 | -4 | 23 |
| 6 |  Super Nova |
19 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 19 | 27 | -8 | 21 |
| 7 |  FS Jelgava |
19 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 17 | 34 | -17 | 19 |
| 8 |  FK Tukums 2000 |
19 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 33 | 36 | -3 | 17 |
| 9 |  Grobiņa |
19 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 30 | -18 | 16 |
| 10 |  Ogre United |
18 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 16 | 42 | -26 | 7 |
