Liljeberg double gives Ilves U20 third straight, 5–3 win over Kärpät

The U20s beat Kärpät 5–3 at Hakametsä on Friday, their third straight win after a slow start to the season. The victory follows a 3–2 victory in Espoo earlier this month.

Miska Liljeberg was the match hero with two striking goals and earned the Kauppi Sports Center award as the game’s hungriest player. Goalkeeper Justus Vuorinen stood firm early. Newcomer Aku Svenn, who joined from KooVee, opened his account for the club just under four minutes into the second period.

Emil Gussander scored twice for Kärpät, including one two seconds before the second period ended. In the third period Arttu Karjalainen briefly put Kärpät ahead at 44:21. Jalmari Melanen equalised soon after. Liljeberg restored the lead on a rebound at 49:46, and Maurice Zvikel sealed the 5–3 win at 56:41.

Coach Niko Peltola praised recent defensive improvements and the team's sharper offensive play, while team representative Bono urged players to refuel and hydrate ahead of the next game.

Ilves’ U20 season resumes Saturday with a home game against Lukko at Hakametsä, starting at 16:00. The club invites fans to see whether the winning streak continues.