K League Wrap: Aussie top of the table after first game
Brandon O’Neill’s Pohang Stealers and Jason Davidson’s Ulsan Hyundai both began the season with victories, whilst it was a different story for three other Aussies in the K League 1 opening weekend.
With South Korea managing to stem the flow of coronavirus, the K League became the first major league to return and the opening weekend served up a rare treat for football starved Socceroos fans.
Davidson’s Ulsan is now top of the table after setting the standard with a resounding 4-0 win over Sangju Sangmu.
The 23-time Socceroo played 90 minutes and was involved in the build up play of his sides final two goals.
The stealers were also too strong for newly promoted Busan I’Park with former Sydney FC midfielder O’Neill an unused substitute in the 2-0 victory.
The season was delayed by almost three months due to the pandemic but it kicked off on Friday with the defending champions Jeonbuk Motors hosting the cup winners Suwon Bluewings.
2019 league golden boot winner Adam Taggart, and former Melbourne Victory playmaker Terry Antonis both started for the Bluewings.
Suwon for their part started well with Antonis looking lively in the heart of midfield and Taggart leading the line.
However, it was Antonis’ red card in the 75th minute that opened the door for Jeonbuk to capitalise.
Just minutes later, 41-year-old icon Lee Dong-gook headed home the winner from a corner at the near post.
Former Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Rashid Mahazi also played 90 minutes in Incheon United’s 0-0 draw with Daegu FC.
There is more K League action on the way for Socceroos fans as Incheon travels to Seongnam, Pohang travels to Daegu and it is a battle of the Aussies as Suwon hosts Ulsan in Round 2.
Listen to Adam Taggart preview the new K League season & recount his football story in the FFA Podcast in the player below! Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
