Valmiera FC goalkeeper Haralds Kalniņš says the Latvian LVBET LĪGA (second tier) title race has entered its decisive phase after his side held on for a 2-2 draw against Metta despite playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
The 17-year-old made several important saves at Jāņa Daliņa Stadium, including a one-on-one stop late in the match, as Valmiera resisted sustained pressure. A further chance struck the crossbar and then rebounded off Kalniņš, but the ball stayed out and the leaders preserved their position at the top of the LVBET LĪGA table.
“Playing 30 minutes with 10 men and facing that much pressure, it is difficult not to concede against a team of Metta’s level,” Kalniņš said. “This time we managed to get through it.”
He said Valmiera had started well before allowing Metta to take control for periods of the first half. The hosts then quickly scored an equaliser after the interval and spent the closing stages defending their point.
“The feeling was fantastic,” Kalniņš said of his one-on-one save. “A goalkeeper can only dream of something like that. You can feel the support from the stands, and it gives you a lot of confidence.”
Valmiera and Metta remain level on points, with Valmiera ahead on the head-to-head record. Seven rounds remain, but Kalniņš believes there is no room for complacency.
“Every match is now a small final,” he said. “Everything is only really starting now.”
Kalniņš has played every minute of Valmiera’s campaign this season. He began playing in goal at the age of seven or eight, despite considering an attacking role, and says his father and head coach Gatis Kalniņš has stressed the importance of communication, confidence and recovering quickly from mistakes.
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Source: https://sportacentrs.com/futbols/1_liga/06092026-valmieras_vartsargs_h_kalnins_tagad_katra
