KREUZLINGEN, Switzerland (Interstat) — Andi Ukmata scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 74th minute, and visiting Bulle defeated Kreuzlingen 3-2 in a soccer match Wednesday. The teams traded momentum through a five-goal match after Kreuzlingen had taken a narrow lead late in the opening period. Bulle improved its position with the road win, while Kreuzlingen came up short after twice pulling level or taking the lead in a contest that stayed tight until the final whistle. The result gave Bulle a second win in the competition and handed Kreuzlingen a close loss at home. The visitors scored three times after halftime and answered each Kreuzlingen response in the second half.

Alen Camdzic gave Kreuzlingen the first goal in the 44th minute. The home side protected that advantage into halftime, but Bulle found an answer early in the second half. Exauce Mafoumbi scored in the 52nd minute to make it 1-1, and Ukmata put Bulle ahead in the 54th minute. Kreuzlingen did not fold, and Mokhtar Boulachab equalized in the 72nd minute to set up a tense finish. Two minutes later, Ukmata struck again for Bulle, and the visitors kept Kreuzlingen from finding a third equalizer over the remaining minutes. The late sequence forced Kreuzlingen to chase the match again, but Bulle held its shape and cleared the final threats. Bulle’s third goal came two minutes after Kreuzlingen had drawn level, leaving the hosts little time to organize another response.

Ukmata’s two-goal effort led Bulle. He played the full 90 minutes and scored in the 54th and 74th minutes. Mafoumbi also played 90 minutes and scored once for Bulle. For Kreuzlingen, Camdzic played 90 minutes and scored once, and Boulachab played 90 minutes and scored once. The goals unfolded in order: Camdzic in the 44th, Mafoumbi in the 52nd, Ukmata in the 54th, Boulachab in the 72nd and Ukmata in the 74th. The sequence kept the match open and forced both sides to adjust late. Ukmata’s second goal proved to be the difference as Bulle closed out the win.

Bulle’s competition record is now 2-1-1, and its record across all competitions is 2-2-1. Kreuzlingen’s competition record is now 2-1-1, and its record across all competitions is 2-1-1. Bulle’s previous results this season, in reverse date order, were a 1-0 home loss to Wil, a 2-2 home draw with Paradiso, a 4-2 win at Cham and a 1-0 home loss to Schaffhausen. Kreuzlingen’s previous results this season, also in reverse date order, were a 3-2 win at Lugano II, a 3-0 home win over Bruhl and a 1-1 draw at YF Juventus. The match added another close result to a season that has seen both clubs navigate tight margins in the competition. The records reflect results in this competition and across all fixtures, with Bulle’s overall mark including one additional loss.

Bulle’s win came after Kreuzlingen had controlled enough of the first half to take the lead into the break. The equalizer from Mafoumbi changed the shape of the match, and Ukmata’s quick follow-up goal gave Bulle a lead it briefly lost. Boulachab’s goal for Kreuzlingen brought the home side back into the contest, but Ukmata answered almost immediately. From there, Bulle protected the one-goal cushion and closed out the victory. Kreuzlingen pushed for a late response, but Bulle’s defense held through the final minutes. The visitors managed the closing stages without allowing Kreuzlingen to convert its pressure into an equalizer. Kreuzlingen’s best chances in the closing minutes came from set pieces, but Bulle dealt with them and kept the ball away from danger.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Kreuzlingen 2, Bulle 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Kreuzlingen with an 83.7 percent probability to win. The total score of 5 went under the over/under line of 3.5.