Latvian youth international Nils Veinbergs recorded an assist on his first start for TPS, but it was not enough to secure a place in the Veikkausliiga Championship Group as his side drew 1-1 away to Gnistan on Monday.
The 19-year-old striker joined TPS on loan from fellow Finnish top-flight club Ilves at the beginning of July. In his first seven appearances for the club, Veinbergs had been used exclusively as a substitute, scoring two goals despite his limited playing time.
With TPS still in contention for a place in the top six heading into the final match of the regular season, Veinbergs was handed his first start in one of the most important games of the campaign.
After a goalless first half, the match came to life in the closing stages. With just six minutes remaining, Veinbergs set up Albijon Muzaci, who found the net to seemingly put TPS on course for a crucial victory. However, their hopes were shattered in the 90th minute when Gnistan were awarded a penalty, which the hosts converted to rescue a point.
Veinbergs played the full 90 minutes and now has two goals and one assist since joining TPS.
The result means TPS will compete in the Veikkausliiga Relegation Group, after finishing the regular season in eighth place. They missed out on the Championship Group by just two points, with VPS taking the final top-six spot.
