Goal-Fest in Kokkola: SJK-j Apollo Outscore KPV/Akatemia 6-3 in Kolmonen Thriller

In one of the most entertaining matches of the Finnish Kolmonen season, SJK-j Apollo emerged victorious in a nine-goal thriller, defeating KPV/Akatemia 6-3 on July 17, 2026. The match featured end-to-end action, defensive lapses, and a barrage of attacking quality that left both sets of fans breathless.

First Half Fireworks

The home side started at a whirlwind pace, scoring twice within the first 15 minutes. Striker Olli Salonen opened the scoring with a powerful header from a corner, and winger Matias Rantanen doubled the lead moments later after a swift counter-attack. KPV/Akatemia responded well, pulling one back through a deflected effort from midfielder Antti Mäkelä. However, Apollo restored their two-goal cushion just before the half-hour mark when Salonen struck again, latching onto a through ball and finishing with aplomb. The visitors refused to buckle, and Mäkelä scored his second of the night to make it 3-2 at halftime.

Second Half Chaos

The goal-scoring continued after the break. Apollo extended their lead to 4-2 when Rantanen completed his brace with a fine solo run. KPV/Akatemia again responded, with substitute Joni Lehtonen reducing the deficit to 4-3. That was as close as they would get, though. Apollo’s attacking power proved too much: Salonen completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, and midfielder Eero Mäkelä added a sixth in stoppage time to seal the 6-3 win.

Key Performers

• Olli Salonen (SJK-j Apollo) – Hat-trick hero, unstoppable in the box.
• Matias Rantanen (SJK-j Apollo) – Two goals and an assist, a constant threat down the right.
• Antti Mäkelä (KPV/Akatemia) – Scored twice but couldn't prevent defeat.

What the Result Means

The victory keeps SJK-j Apollo in the hunt for promotion, while KPV/Akatemia’s defensive frailties are a major concern going forward. For neutrals, this match was a reminder of the excitement the Kolmonen can offer, with attacking football taking center stage.