Latvian international midfielder Lūkass Vapne delivered a standout performance for Sogndal IL, playing a direct role in both of his team’s goals during a dramatic second-half push. However, his efforts weren’t enough to prevent a 2-4 defeat on the road against Kongsvinger in Norway’s second-tier league, the OBOS-ligaen.
Back in club action following the international break, where he represented Latvia in two national team fixtures, the 21-year-old was back in the starting lineup and quickly reminded everyone of his potential, despite a difficult team result.
The match began with a harsh blow for the visitors as Kongsvinger opened the scoring in the 14th minute. The home side pressed aggressively, carving out several dangerous chances. While Sogndal’s goalkeeper Lars Jendal made several crucial saves to keep the deficit manageable, Kongsvinger’s relentless pressure eventually paid off with two more goals late in the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
But the second half was a different story — and it was Lūkass Vapne’s time to shine.
In the 57th minute, Vapne latched onto a pass from the left wing, took a single touch to set himself up, and calmly slotted the ball home with his left foot from close range. It was his second goal of the OBOS-ligaen season and gave Sogndal a much-needed spark, cutting the deficit to 1-3.
Just four minutes later, Vapne was at the center of the action again. Taking a bold long-range effort, he smashed a shot off the post, which then bounced back and ricocheted off the diving goalkeeper’s back — and into the net. Officially ruled as an own goal, the play was sparked entirely by Vapne’s ambition and technique, bringing Sogndal within one goal at 2-3.
With momentum on their side, Vapne continued to be a creative force, nearly assisting a teammate for what would have been the equalizer. But Kongsvinger’s defense held firm, and in the final moments of stoppage time, the home side sealed the win with a clinical counter-attack, scoring a fourth and final goal.
Despite the result, Vapne’s full 90-minute performance was a major bright spot. He’s now played in all 10 of Sogndal’s league matches this season and is rapidly establishing himself as a key figure at club.
Sogndal currently sits 5th in the OBOS-ligaen table with 16 points from 10 matches. Their next test comes in just four days, as they travel to face Skeid in a crucial away clash.
