Latvia U-19 international Nils Veinbergs scored the first senior top-flight goal of his career as TPS rescued a dramatic 1-1 draw away to reigning Finnish champions and current league leaders KuPS. The 19-year-old striker came off the bench late on to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser.
Veinbergs was making his fifth Veikkausliiga appearance since joining TPS on loan from fellow Finnish top-flight club Ilves earlier this summer. Having been introduced as a substitute in each of his previous outings without finding the net, the Latvian youngster made his breakthrough in dramatic fashion.
The home side looked set to continue their march at the top of the table after taking the lead in the 23rd minute. Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba finished clinically to put KuPS in front, and the defending champions appeared on course for another three points.
Veinbergs was introduced in the 86th minute and wasted little time making his mark.
Deep into stoppage time, the Latvian forward received an excellent pass inside the penalty area before calmly finishing from close range to stun the home crowd and earn TPS a valuable point. The goal was Veinbergs’ first in the Finnish top flight and marked a memorable milestone in his young career.
The draw leaves TPS eighth in the Veikkausliiga standings after 19 matches. They return to action on Friday with another away fixture against VPS.
