Daejeon the Early-Season Pacesetters as Joo Min-kyu Strikes Again

K League Round 5 Review - Ulsan HD face controversy in their 1-1 draw at Suwon FC while Daejeon strike late to go two clear.

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Jeju SK fan welcomes back no.8 Lee Chang-min who returned after completing his military service while playing Semi-professionally at Geoje Citizen FC. Photo form Jeju SK Instagram

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K League Round 5

The first major controversies of the season emerged in the Suwon FC vs. Ulsan HD match, with no fewer than three contentious incidents that undoubtedly influenced the outcome (details to follow). Suwon FC’s first home goal of the season wasn’t enough to secure their first win, as Erick Farias came off the bench to score on his debut, salvaging a point for the defending champions, who dropped points for the first time since the opening day.

Sunday was a day of draws, with Gimcheon Sangmu and Gwangju FC playing out a goalless stalemate, while Jeonbuk surrendered a two-goal lead after Han Kook-young’s red card in a game of two distinct halves. Meanwhile, Saturday belonged to the away teams, as FC Seoul returned to winning ways after consecutive 0-0 draws, while FC Anyang also ended their winless streak—both securing narrow 1-0 victories.

Daejeon Hana Citizen left it late but maintained their strong form as the early sesaon pacesetters, finishing the weekend at the top of the table with a 3-1 win over Jeju SK, who have now collected just one point since the opening day of the season.

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Goal of the Round

Luan Dias (Suwon FC)

Suwon FC’s breakaway first home goal of the season was probably the best of the small bunch this weekend. We had a number of similar goals in transitions this weekend with Erick’s debut goal in this game quite similar along with Joo Min-kyu’s for Daejeon at Jeju SK. For this one star man Anderson was of course involved heavily, picking the ball up in his own half and using his strength and dribbling to commit defenders before slipping Luan Dias in who hits a good low shot into the corner. A Joo Hyun-woo with full peripheral vision probably would’ve saved this one, as Korea’s number one does get a hand to it.

Player of the Round

Joo Min-kyu (Daejeon Hana Citizen)

With Ulsan HD’s Zinedine Bojanic absent due to a minor injury sustained in training on Friday, there was no clear standout performer this weekend. So why not give the spotlight to the man who simply can’t stop scoring?

Joo Min-kyu found the net once again, though in a fashion uncharacteristic of him—using pace, which is far from his strongest asset. However, he was able to take full advantage of Jeju’s lack of speed at the back. Strike partner Masatoshi Ishida delivered a perfectly weighted pass, splitting Jeju’s high line just past the halfway mark. Joo, as clinical as ever, finished with aplomb—leaving little doubt that he would add to his growing tally for the season.

Match of the Round