Colonna scored the opening goal, The Cong Viettel drew 2-2 with PVF CAND.

In the 73rd minute at PVF Stadium, from a set piece with a high cross, Kyle Colonna rose high to head the ball past Do Sy Huy, leveling the score at 1-1 for The Cong Viettel. The 1999-born center-back's first V-League goal not only brought the military team back into contention but also marked a significant milestone in his first 10 matches for The Cong Viettel. The match ended 2-2 when Hoang Vu Samson scored in the 90+3 minute, securing a point for PVF CAND.

The crucial moment: the aerial duel in the 73rd minute.

The situation arose from a dead ball, with a high cross into the penalty area perfectly positioned for the American-Vietnamese center-back to utilize his physical advantage. Colonna's well-timed header demonstrated his superior aerial ability and reinforced Coach Popov's team's approach to set pieces, especially in a situation where a breakthrough was needed.

From a tactical perspective, the goal is proof of the value of the modern center-back: not only covering and disrupting the opponent's transitions, but also directly making a difference in set pieces — an increasingly important source of goals in the V-League.

Key events: the equalizer and the ending in the 90+3 minute.

Colonna's equalizer brought The Cong Viettel back to a more proactive playing style in the second half. However, the climax came in injury time: Hoang Vu Samson scored in the 90+3 minute, helping PVF CAND draw 2-2. The breathtaking scenario of the opening match of V-League 2025/26 Round 11 reflected the intense and high-quality struggle in the decisive moments.

Brief profile: an accelerated journey in Vietnam

Colonna began playing football in Vietnam in the 2024/2025 season after leaving New Mexico United. While playing for Hanoi FC, he made 18 appearances in the V-League and the National Cup before moving to The Cong Viettel. At the military team, the 26-year-old center-back quickly became a cornerstone, contributing to the club's position in the top group.

On a personal level, his goal in his 10th game demonstrates his rapid integration and growing influence. With his impressive physique and good fitness, Colonna is not only a solid defensive anchor but also a real threat in aerial duels.

Long-term significance: from The Cong Viettel to the opportunity to join the national team.

Viettel Sports Club is finalizing procedures to assist Colonna in obtaining Vietnamese citizenship. This opens up the possibility of him being considered for the national team in the near future. Given the weaknesses in the Vietnamese national team's defense, the presence of a central defender with modern tactical thinking and good judgment like Colonna is a valuable addition.

If he maintains his form and consistency, this center-back could provide the missing qualities: aerial strength, aggressiveness in tackles, and the ability to make a difference in set pieces — factors that often decide matches in tense games.

Key figures

• 10: The number of matches Colonna played for The Cong Viettel before scoring his first V-League goal.
• 73: In the 73rd minute, the 26-year-old center-back headed in the equalizer from a set piece, making it 1-1.
• 2-2: The final score, with Hoang Vu Samson's goal in the 90+3 minute securing a draw for PVF CAND.
• 18: The number of appearances Colonna will make for Hanoi FC in the V-League and National Cup during the 2024/2025 season.
• 1999: Colonna's birth year, indicating he was at his peak physically and mentally.

Professional perspective

Colonna's goal was the product of three elements: precise set-piece organization, perfectly timed placement in the penalty area, and powerful heading. For a team that values ​​discipline like The Cong Viettel, players like Colonna help convert tactical advantages into tangible goals.