KuPS Edge Past AC Oulu to Claim Top Spot in Veikkausliiga Early Season Table
KuPS 3-2 AC Oulu
The defending champions kicked off the fresh season on a strong note, collecting seven points across their opening three fixtures, yet the sole team ahead belonged to the visiting Oulu, emerging as the unexpected frontrunners after securing victories in all three of their initial outings.
That said, KuPS set the tone right from the outset, surging ahead within the first five minutes through a fluid sequence that featured Saku Savolainen threading a pass to Otto Ruoppi, who delivered an exquisite backheel into the box for Bob Armah to fire it in.
Still, the Kuopio outfit could not capitalise on their early lead, as Jaime Moreno's hot streak seemed to cool with several attempts that failed to test Oulu's keeper Miguel Santos, leaving the home team vulnerable towards the end of the opening period.
After a pair of long range shots that nearly found the net, the away side earned an ideal opportunity to draw level when Tuomas Kaukua fouled inside the penalty area courtesy of Savolainen, allowing Rasmus Karjalainen to convert from the spot and tie the score at half time.
Nonetheless, the hosts wasted little time in regaining control, restoring their advantage merely two minutes into the second half, with Moreno demonstrating his sharp touch by netting his fourth goal of the campaign, albeit aided by a deflection off his effort from the box's edge to evade the shot stopper.
Yet again, Karjalainen proved troublesome for KuPS, slotting in Julius Korkko's cross in the 64th minute after Johannes Kreidl inexplicably spilled it, equalling Moreno's tally of four goals this term following his double in the opening round.
However, having already notched two assists, it seemed apt for Ruoppi to deliver the decisive blow, weaving through defences to score solo with 13 minutes remaining, ensuring no comeback from Oulu this time around, thus halting their flawless run. KuPS now sit on 10 points after four matches, edging ahead of their rivals by a single point.