EIF Academy Edges HooGee in Finnish Kolmonen Thriller

EIF Academy continued their strong run in the Finnish Kolmonen with a 4-2 away victory over HooGee on June 26, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 01:15, saw the visitors produce a clinical attacking display to overcome a spirited home side.

HooGee started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute when Mikko Lehtonen curled a free kick into the top corner. However, EIF Academy responded immediately, equalizing through Joonas Mäkelä just five minutes later. The visitors then took control of the first half, adding two more goals before the break. Eemeli Virtanen scored a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute, and Lauri Kinnunen made it 3-1 with a close-range finish in the 41st minute.

HooGee pulled one back early in the second half through a penalty converted by Jere Salminen, but EIF Academy restored their two-goal cushion in the 68th minute when Antti Rantanen headed home from a corner. The visitors then managed the game effectively, denying HooGee any clear chances to mount a comeback.

Key Moments

• 15' – Mikko Lehtonen opens the scoring with a superb free kick for HooGee.
• 20' – Joonas Mäkelä equalizes immediately for EIF Academy.
• 32' – Eemeli Virtanen puts the visitors ahead with a fine strike.
• 41' – Lauri Kinnunen extends the lead before halftime.
• 55' – Jere Salminen scores from the spot for HooGee.
• 68' – Antti Rantanen seals the win with a header from a corner.

Standout Players

EIF Academy’s attackers were in fine form, particularly Eemeli Virtanen, whose goal and overall movement caused problems all night. For HooGee, Mikko Lehtonen was a bright spark but lacked sufficient support. The result keeps EIF Academy in the mix for promotion, while HooGee remain mid-table.