Kalonji Pro-Profile Rallies After Halftime to Defeat SCU Heat 4–2
Kalonji Pro-Profile books a quarterfinal spot, with post-match insight from striker and lead goalscorer, Karim Tmimi.
Fixture: Kalonji Pro-Profile vs. SCU Heat
Competition: UPSL Premier National Round-of-16
Venue: Shiloh High School Stadium in Snellville, GA
Kickoff: 1/4/26 at 4:00 p.m.
Weather: Clear, Approximately 60 degrees
Kalonji Pro-Profile have booked their ticket to the UPSL National Quarterfinals, by defeating South Carolina United Heat in the Round-of-16. It was a physical and challenging match, and both teams showed excellent composure. Kalonji Pro-Profile will face the Florida Round-of-16 winner of FC America Spurs vs. Miami United FC.
First Half:
Both teams opened this match with intensity, trading blows with strong challenges and aerial duels. This physicality would remain for the rest of the match. Tactically, Kalonji looked to pass the ball overhead to their wingers for opportunities. SCU showed dangerous moments with runs that weaved through the Kalonji defense.
Early on, Kalonji generated several promising crosses into the box, but couldn’t deliver. At the other end, SCU created two clear changes through skillful dribbling, but similarly didn’t change the score. In the 21st minute, a rough challenge granted SCU a dangerous free kick outside the box. Luis Molina took the kick, clipping the top of the crossbar and narrowly missing an opener.
SCU struck first just before halftime. In the 40th minute, Seth Hanson delivered a long cross that found Matias Daniel in the box, who netted it to give SCU the lead going into the break.
KPP 0 - 1 SCU
SCU Heat (40’) - Matias Daniel
(Timestamped Video)
My Half Time Takeaways:
”Both teams are looking very competitive. I’m curious to see if Kalonji’s momentum will be stifled by that goal right before the half. In their last match here in Shiloh Stadium, they looked like a completely different team in the second half (in a good way!). This match could go in either direction.”
Second Half:
Kalonji wasted no time after the restart, equalizing after a sensational overhead shot was made by defender Kymani Irving. This long-range cross connected to Owanja Medard, who dished it to Kalan Kalonji. He powerfully struck the ball to equalize, and shutting down SCU’s momentum.
KPP 1 - 1 SCU
Kalonji Pro-Profile (48’) - Kalan Kalonji
(Timestamped Video)
As the half progressed, Kalonji found their rhythm, showering the SCU goal with shots and forcing multiple defensive interventions. A key moment came from a free kick just outside the box, taken by forward Karim Tmimi. His strike deflected off the wall, bounced upwards, and cruised into the goal to double Kalonji’s lead.
KPP 2 - 1 SCU
Kalonji Pro-Profile (67’) - Karim Tmimi
(Timestamped Video)
SCU Heat didn’t go down without a fight. Five minutes later, forward Seth Hanson took an absolute screamer of a shot from distance to equalize for the South Carolinian representatives.
KPP 2 - 2 SCU
SCU Heat (72’) - Seth Hanson
(Timestamped Video)
With both teams tied at two points each, both rosters fought tirelessly to acquire possession and create opportunities. Luck would be on the home side’s favor when Kalonji’s Owanja Medard took a shot on goal. The shot would ricochet off an SCU player and bounce in the goal to finalize Kalonji’s lead.
KPP 3 - 2 SCU
Kalonji Pro-Profile (84’) - Owanja Medard
(Timestamped Video)
In the final moments of the match, five minutes of stoppage time were granted. At this point, all hell broke loose with SCU valiantly trying to collect another goal. To finalize the Kalonji victory, they would find break behind the defense to easily slot home another goal to end the match 4 - 2.
KPP 4 - 2 SCU
Kalonji Pro-Profile (90+4’) - Zain Hylton
(Timestamped Video)
Final Score:
Kalonji Pro-Profile: 4
South Carolina United Heat: 2
My Full Time Takeaways:
”This match was absolutely electric and reminds me why I love the UPSL so much. While there were some tactical and macro-level errors, both teams gave it their all. We were treated to some amazing goals as well. Kalonji did a phenomenal job shutting down the powerful SCU attack. I can’t wait to see how they’ll fare in the next round.”
A Brief Conversation with Kalonji’s Lead Goalscorer, Karim Tmimi:
Karim Tmimi, who scored Kalonji’s go-ahead goal, said the team never panicked despite trailing at halftime. “It’s how you finish at the end. That’s the most important thing,” Tmimi said. “We make adjustments and have to trust our quality.” He attributed much of this win to Kalonji’s reserve players stating, “I don’t call them bench players, I call them game changers. When they come on, they give extra on the field.”
Tmimi and his roster will face the winner of FC America Spurs and Miami United FC on Saturday, January 17th.