Jeju United came in facing a tough FC Seoul squad who has not lost at home in 16 games. After Wednesday’s tie in Seogwipo , Seoul was in the driver’s seat. A raucous group of supporters behind them and Koo Ja Cheol starting the game off on the bench, Seoul presented quite a challenge for the Orange.
Soon though, Seoul applied the pressure that led them to the K-League regular season title right from the beginning, but Jeju’s defense held solid. After goal keeper Kim Ho Jun bobbled a tough shot, it seemed that Dejan had struck first for Seoul, but was called offside and the goal was taken back.
The majority of the chances then went to Seoul until the 27th minute when forward Natanael de Souza Santos Junior caught Seoul goalkeeper Kim Young Dae out of position and struck first from about 20 yards out.
However, Seoul was not fazed as Jeong Jo Guk broke through within a minute after the restart. A foul was called on Ma Cheol Jun, with the referee awarding Seoul a penalty kick. Jeju was not pleased with the call and several players let the referee know how they felt about the call. Despite protests from United and a meeting of the minds amongst the linesmen and head referee, the call stood. Seoul was awarded a penalty kick and Jeong put it dead center just under the cross bar to even the match up.
Tensions were high during the game with a scuffle breaking out between Jeju’s Park Hyeon Beom and Seoul’s Kim Jin Kyu. The altercation resulted in both players receiving yellow cards.
The second half started quickly with both squads trading punches. However neither team seemed able to take control. After a gaffe by Jeju keeper, Kim Ho Jun, Seoul was awarded a corner kick in the 73rd. Brazilian fullback Adilson gave Seoul a 2-1 lead on a well placed header. The mistake would prove fatal for Jeju.
Hoping to provide a spark to Jeju, Koo Ja Cheol was subbed in after the goal and made an immediate impact. It appeared that he had tied it up in the 74th but was called offside on the play.
Jeju continued to put on the pressure for the rest of the game but the Seoul back line proved too tough.
Adilson won the MVP and Man of the Match honors for his game winner and stellar defense throughout. The championship is the club’s fourth overall, but first under the FC Seoul banner and first under Portuguese head coach Nelo Vingada .
