Recap: Suwon Samsung Bluewings salvage late draw against Gangwon FC

Suwon Samsung Bluewings scored late in the second half to secure an uninspiring 2-2 draw against Gangwon FC at the Big Bird on Saturday. Nived Zenith recaps the K League clash.

Lee Lim saeng’s men were second-best for the majority of their meeting with high-flying Gangwon, but the hosts ultimately came away with a point, courtesy of a late equalizer from Kim Min-woo. 

Despite failing to find the back of the net against newly-promoted sides Busan IPark and Gwangju FC in their previous two outings, Suwon took an early lead against the visitors at the Big Bird on Saturday. 

Sulejman Krpic, who was recalled into the starting eleven to partner Adam Taggart, broke the deadlock as early as the eighth minute. Terry Antonis guided a pass from Taggart into space for Myeong Jun-jae, who latched on to it before providing a low cross for Krpic. 

The striker’s right-footed finish made its way through Lim Chai-min’s attempted block before rolling into the far corner.

Although they were in front within the opening exchanges of the encounter, Suwon failed to get a stranglehold of proceedings on the pitch. The hosts failed to retain possession and gave the ball away cheaply to their counterparts, who grew in confidence ahead of the half-hour mark.

Gangwon demonstrated Byung-soo ball at its finest, as they exercised immaculate patience with confident possession-based football. The away side were rewarded for their build-up play in the 30th minute, when Shin Kwang-hoon’s chipped pass played Kim Kyung-jeong through on goal, and the forward struck a low volley to restore parity for his side. 

Kim came close to netting a brace in the 42nd minute, when he exchanged a delightful give-and-go with Ko Moo-yeol to get in behind the Suwon defence, but his effort stayed out after hitting the far post. 

Suwon were lucky to be level at the break, and it almost seemed like a matter of when, rather than if, Gangwon would take the lead in the second half. Ko Seung-beom forced a save from Lee Gwang-yeon after the interval, but Gangwon took the lead just beyond the hour mark.

Cho Jae-won’s powerful low cross from the left flank was guided into the back of the Suwon net by Ko Moo-yeol, who netted his fourth goal in as many games during the 63rd minute. The goal was born out of Gangwon’s persistent attacking forays, but the hosts switched off simultaneously to aggravate the threat.

However, Suwon salvaged a late draw in the 83rd minute, when Kim managed to stay narrowly onside before collecting a pass and finding the back of the net for his team. The goal might be enough to help Lim-saeng live to fight another day, but it is safe to say time is running out for the Bluewings tactician.

Major Talking Points 

Byung-soo ball growing in reputation

The Bears have been a delight to watch in the K League so far this season. A lot of the credit has rightfully gone to their manager Kim Byung-soo for deriving a fluent possession-based style of play. Popularly named after him, ‘Byung-soo ball’, dominated another side in the division at the Big Bird on Saturday.

Gangwon were confident in possession and hardly gave the ball away, as they thoroughly overpowered their counterparts on the pitch. For the majority of the game, Suwon were forced to run around and chase the Gangwon players, owing to the visitors’ impressive distribution and retention of possession. 

Despite failing to secure maximum points on the night, the growing reputation of Byung-soo ball has hardly taken any damage and could earn more plaudits in the coming weeks.

Adam Taggart might need vote of confidence to end goal-drought

It is safe to say Adam Taggart’s goals last season helped Suwon avoid relegation and allowed Lee Lim-saeng to keep his job with the club. However, the marksman has been a shadow of his former self so far this term. 

Taggart has yet to complete 90 minutes in a game for Suwon so far, whether that’s down to his form or falling out with the manager’s plans, we don’t know yet. The Australian was subbed out at half-time against Gangwon and cut out a frustrated figure on the stands, much like his time on the pitch.

Even though he has started the season poorly, Taggart has proven in the past that he is a natural goal-scorer. He is bereft of confidence at the moment and it is down to the manager to put an arm around his shoulder and back him to start delivering the kind of performances that helped him become the division’s top-scorer last year.

What next for the teams?

After back-to-back home games in the K League, Suwon will now hit the road to face Seongnam at the Tancheon Sports Complex during the midweek clash on Tuesday 16th June. The Magpies suffered a 1-0 defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Saturday, but remain three places above Suwon in the league table.

Gangwon are set to host title-aspirants Ulsan Hyundai on the same day, and will be hoping to draw inspiration from their win over Jeonbuk Hyundai when they lock horns with the Horangi.