That was just like the old days. I had certainly missed away travel to cities more than just a couple hours away, and yesterday it was indeed evident that bus life was something that this group of supporters sorely needed. The result on the field of course was not what we all wanted, but everybody was so proud of the effort that the team gave that it was difficult to not smile after the match. Of course ”what if” type of thoughts inevitably crept into everybody’s mind, but most people did not want to even talk about that. Still, the fact remains that if we had had our best 18 available, or indeed any 18, we would have had a very decent chance of winning the match, and who knows even the whole cup.

The 12 players that we had available for this match truly gave their all last night, and there were moments where victory seemed like a realistic possibility. I was worried when Kiisto scored from an early penalty, and even more worried when they scored a professional goal from a corner at the 40th minute. However, Mika Kytöviita’s goal just before the half time whistle gave us new hope, and the second half got really interesting. Even after the 3-1 goal we were still fighting, and had a few decent chances from corners and long throw-ins by Kytöviita. As late as at about the 80th minute I still kept saying ”we can still win this one”. Of course I did not think it was very likely, but it was within the realm of possibility. And that alone, being still in the match that late, was much more than could have been reasonably expected from the team that we were able to field yesterday.

I should point out though that the team we had would have been a very strong one for almost any match in Vitonen. However, playing against a top team from two divisions higher, and having a few players playing through pain and a couple others who realistically should not be playing a 90 minute match, our chances were between slim and none. For the first time this season we were not the team that controlled the match; however, we played very smart and did not allow them to have us run around chasing the ball.

The only substitute player that we had was our backup goalie Kalle Heltonen, and when Otto Kurjanen twisted his ankle and had to limp out with about 25 minutes left on the clock, Heltonen put on a green jersey and took Mika Kytöviita’s spot up top. Around the same time Kiisto was making substitutions to put some fresh legs on the field. Under these circumstance it would not be surprising for a team to just give up, but our team is not like that. The result was a few half-chances to score a goal, and finishing the match with a very respectable 3-1 scoreline.

After the final whistle blew, we sang louder than we have ever sang. I’m sure that many players would have liked to just collapse on to the field, but they all came to thank us for the support before they did so. A few of them looked like another minute of football might get them killed. There were sad faces and happy faces. Everybody knew that all that could be done had been done, and it just was not enough. Players hugged each other, supporter hugged players, and the mood was a bit somber, just like it had to be.

On the bus home the atmosphere was very brotherly. The first stop for food and restocking refreshments was made within the city limits of Vaasa. Supporters and players hanging out on the lawn, eating and drinking together in the warmth of the sun epitomized what this club is all about. We are United, in good times and in bad times, and yesterday, in the end, falls clearly in the former category.

FC Kiisto – TamU-K 3-1 (2-1)
19 min 1-0 Pekka Liukkonen (pk)
40 min 2-0 Kiisto
44 min 2-1 Mika Kytöviita
55 min 3-1 Kiisto

Discipline:
66 min Vesa Suonsyrjä, TamU-K (caution)
84 min Heikki Wilen, TamU-K (caution)