'Fewest Goals Conceded No. 1, Most Goals Scored No. 8': Lee Jeong-hyo's Suwon, Can They Break the 'Zero Goals in Two Games' Crisis... 'Desperate to Escape the Lower Table' in Match Against Gyeongnam

*This content was translated by AI.

This could be the biggest crisis of the season. The championship favorite, trapped in a goalless slump, is now seeking a turnaround.

Suwon Samsung and Gyeongnam FC will face off in the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 8 match at Changwon Football Center at 2 p.m. on the 18th.

Under head coach Lee Jeong-hyo, Suwon started the season with five consecutive victories, displaying overwhelming dominance. However, their momentum sharply declined in April. After drawing against Cheongju FC in Chungbuk, they suffered a 0-1 defeat to Gimpo FC, falling into a two-game goalless silence.

Meanwhile, rival teams have intensified their chase. Currently, Busan IPark leads the table alone with six wins and one draw, while Seoul E-Land (13 points) and Suwon FC (13 points), who have played one fewer match, are closing in, sparking a fierce battle for the standings.

Suwon's defense remains solid, having conceded just two goals in seven matches, the fewest in the league. However, their attack has underperformed expectations. With only nine goals scored, Suwon is the only team in the top half of K League 2 that has failed to reach double-digit goals. Among all 17 teams, they sit in joint eighth place, a mid-table position.

The lack of finishing power at the front line is a major concern. Ilivchenko has yet to score this season, registering only two assists, while Kim Ji-hyun has been goalless in his last three matches after netting two goals total in last month's matches against Paju Frontiers FC and Gimhae FC 2008. The only bright spots are wingers Hayes (two goals) and Feshin, along with midfielders Jung Ho-yeon and Kang Hyun-mook (one goal each).

Head coach Lee Jeong-hyo's concerns are deepening. After the defeat to Gimpo FC, he stated, "The game has become difficult due to the same pattern continuing. I think the only solution is to find a way with the players."

Regarding concentration levels at different stages of the match, Lee Jeong-hyo analyzed, "We need to identify and improve the issue of rushing after the 60th minute. Goals can still be scored even in the 95th minute of the second half. We must persistently and consistently execute our prepared plans to trouble the opponent."

On the lack of scoring power, he pointed to insufficient support from the entire team. Lee Jeong-hyo emphasized, "This is not just a striker's problem. Ilivchenko received the ball inside the box too few times. If we improve the connection of good crosses and passes from wingers, midfielders, and wide areas, goals can be scored."

The home team Gyeongnam's situation is even more desperate. Despite starting ambitiously under head coach Bae Sung-jae, they suffered early setbacks, including a 1-4 home defeat to Jeonnam Dragons in the opening match, resulting in two consecutive losses. Their only victory this season was a 1-0 win against Gimpo last month. In their last six matches, they recorded one win, two draws, and three losses, including a 1-1 draw with Ansan Greeners and a narrow 1-2 loss to league-leading Busan IPark. With six goals scored and ten conceded, their offensive and defensive balance remains lacking.

For Suwon, who must break their goalless streak to avoid falling behind in the promotion race, and for Gyeongnam, which must secure a win at home to build a foundation for escaping the lower table, this match is expected to be a crucial turning point that will determine the fate of the early season.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.