HPS II Women 3 – 2 Honka Espoo (W) Team B | Finnish Women's Ykkonen | July 19, 2026

HPS II Women edged out Honka Espoo (W) Team B in a thrilling 3-2 encounter in the Finnish Women's Ykkonen. The match saw four goals in the first half alone, with HPS II eventually holding on for a vital victory after a second-half surge from the visitors.

Match Overview

HPS II, the reserve side of Helsingin Palloseura, started the game with great energy. They took the lead in the 8th minute when a through ball split the Honka defence and the HPS striker slotted home. Honka responded almost immediately, equalizing in the 14th minute with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box.

The seesaw continued: HPS II regained the lead in the 23rd minute via a header from a corner, but Honka equalized again just four minutes later, this time from a breakaway. The score read 2-2 after 27 minutes of play.

Key Moments

• 8' – 1-0 HPS II: Clinical finish after a defensive lapse.
• 14' – 1-1 Honka: Long-range strike.
• 23' – 2-1 HPS II: Header from a corner.
• 27' – 2-2 Honka: Counter-attack finish.
• 41' – 3-2 HPS II: Free kick from just outside the box curled into the top corner.

Tactical Story

HPS II used a 4-3-3 formation with an emphasis on wide play and set pieces. Their two goals from dead-ball situations highlighted their preparation. Honka Team B, a young side, played a 4-2-3-1 and tried to build through midfield, but their defensive transitions were slow, especially in the first half.

In the second half, Honka dominated possession but HPS II dropped into a 5-4-1 defensive shape, protecting their lead. Honka created half-chances but lacked the final ball. HPS II's goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 78th minute to preserve the lead.

Standout Players

• HPS II's No. 7 (left winger): Constant threat on the flank, assisted the opening goal and won the free kick that led to the winner.
• HPS II's central defender: Scored from the corner and was dominant in aerial duels.
• Honka's No. 10: Scored one goal and provided an assist, showing creative spark.

Table Impact

This win moves HPS II Women into the top six of the Women's Ykkonen standings, keeping them in contention for a promotion playoff spot. Honka Team B remain in the lower half but have shown they can compete with any side on their day. Both teams will be looking for consistency in the coming weeks.