K League 1: Round 18 Recap

 Round 18 of the K League didn't disappoint with some late goals and results that have affected not only the chase for the K League 1 title but also the battle against relegation. K League United is here to guide you through all the action that was in our recap of last weekend's action.  

 

FC Seoul 2-2 Ulsan Hyundai

 

Two of the teams competing for top spot, along with Jeonbuk, clashed in a tough battle. Ulsan took the lead during the early phases of the first half via a Kim Taewhan goal. However, Ulsan's momentum stuttered after Alibaev fired in from the edge of the area and a header from Park Dongjin put Seoul in front 

The referee took center stage in the second half when some key decisions by the man in the middle denied Ulsan two goals and a penalty. A deflection, suspected to be a handball foul by Seoul, was failed to be given by the referee and it looked like Seoul would take all three points until some late drama. A late header from Kim Bokyung gave Ulsan a share of the spoils and left Seoul World Cup Stadium stunned. 

 

Incheon United 1-2 Gangwon FC

 

Gangwon continued their winning streak by beating Incheon. Incheon took the lead on eight minutes courtesy of a Stefan Mugoša strike. However, Gangwon brought the game back to all square when  Jung Jogook converted from the penalty spot. Gangwon  took the lead sixteen minutes later when  Jung Jogook scored the go-ahead goal. 

The game ended in a victory for Gangwon after they survived a deluge of shots from Incheon. As for the points earned, Gangwon are now fifth in the table and may have aspirations on those ACL spots. 

 

Pohang Steelers 1-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

 

It could have been a different score line for Pohang had Ha Changrae not been given his marching orders for two bookable offences within the first thirty minutes of the game. Pohang, one player short, conceded a header from Lim Sunyoung on seventy minutes. However, Jeonbuk’s lead did not last long. Wanderson grabbed an equalizer as he reached Kim Seungdae’s stinging cross. Both teams exchanged a number of threatening shots to the end of the game, but it fizzled out into a draw. 

 

Jeju United 1-1 Daegu FC

Both teams filled the first half with high-quality passes and shots but neither team could convert their chances and score a goal. In the second half, Yun Illok put the home team ahead with a wonderful dribble. Deagu’s offense, led by Cesinha, in turn rained shots down on the Jeju goal, one of which eventually resulted in a dramatic equalizer a few seconds prior to the end of the game.

 

Suwon Samsung Blue Wings 0-0 Gyeongnam FC

 

Two of the league's draw specialists conspired to do what they are becoming experts at by playing out a 0-0 draw at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Over the match, the two teams exchanged a number of quality shots, mostly made by Taggart and Luc. However, none of which got into the net making the game a goal-less tie.

Seongnam FC 1-0 Sangju Sangmu

 

This was an important match for the two teams as they continue fight to finish in the top half of the split. On fifteen minutes Seongnam took the lead when Kim Hyunsung slotted home a ball that had deflected off the goal keeper, Kwon Tae-Ahn. Sangju, in turn, began bombarding shots on their hosts goal. However, to their disappointment, none of the shots penetrated Seongnam's defense. The game ended in a 1-0 win for the home team.