'Heo Yul scores in two consecutive games' Ulsan draws 1-1 in Anyang away match... Ailton's 'faded phantom goal' [Anyang On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Professional soccer teams Ulsan HD and FCAnyang failed to decide the match. Anyang broke the balance early with Ailton's opening goal, but Ulsan restored equilibrium with Heo Yul, the 'joker,' scoring a priceless equalizer.

Anyang and Ulsan drew 1-1 in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 9 match held at Anyang Stadium on the 22nd.

Anyang, whose bid for the season's first back-to-back wins was thwarted, saw its ranking drop two spots to eighth with 11 points (2 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses) amid four consecutive matches without defeat (1 win, 3 draws). Ulsan, following a 5-1 victory over GwangjuFC, accumulated 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses) with two consecutive matches without defeat (1 win, 1 draw), narrowing the gap to 5 points behind leading FCSeoul (22 points).

On this day, Anyang deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Ailton and Choi Geon-ju on both flanks and Thomas and Kim Jeong-hyun Mateus in midfield, centered around Kim Woon. Kim Dong-jin, Kwon Kyung-won, Lee Chang-yong, and Lee Tae-hee formed the defensive line, while Kim Jeong-hoon guarded the goal.

Ulsan countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Malcang leading the attack and Kang Sang-woo, Lee Hee-gyun, and Jang Si-young positioned in the second line. Boyanich and Lee Kyu-sung coordinated in midfield, while Jo Hyun-taek, Jeong Seung-hyun, Seo Myeong-gwan, and Sim Sang-min stood in the defensive line. The goalkeeper was Jo Hyun-woo.

Anyang broke the balance just four minutes into the first half. Ailton, who gained possession near the left sideline, surged forward with explosive speed. Despite being surrounded by defenders, he broke through and shook the net with a left-footed shot from inside the penalty area.

For Anyang, which had identified the 'early stages of the match' as a decisive factor, this was a brilliant start. Coach Yoo Byung-hoon had previously stated during a press conference before the match, "Ulsan has conceded six of their ten goals within the first 30 minutes. Fielding our best lineup for the midweek match also reflects our firm determination to secure consecutive wins."

After taking the initial blow, Ulsan immediately launched a counterattack with consecutive shots from Malcang and Kang Sang-woo, but repeatedly missed the goal. Anyang also sought additional goals through rapid counterattacks led by Ailton. In the 21st minute of the first half, Choi Geon-ju's shot, which bypassed goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo, struck the side netting. Ulsan's Kang Sang-woo shot went wide, while Anyang's Mateus shot went straight at the goalkeeper, leaving both sides with only regrets.

Ulsan introduced Lee Dong-kyung in place of Kang Sang-woo at the start of the second half, making changes to their attacking lineup. Early in the second half, Malcang attempted a left-footed mid-range shot, but it was saved by goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon, who threw his body to block it. Anyang also countered with quick counterattacks, but they failed to lead to additional goals.

In the 15th minute of the second half, Ulsan missed a crucial opportunity. Lee Dong-kyung delivered a free kick from near the corner of the penalty area to the goalmouth, where Malcang connected with a header. However, the shot was saved by goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon and then hit the goalpost before bouncing out.

Anyang maintained their one-goal lead while also showing determination to score additional goals. Lee Jin-yong was followed by El Kurano and Moon Sung-woo as substitutes. Ulsan also brought on Heo Yul and Choi Seok-hyun after Lee Jin-hyun. Malcang and Heo Yul were positioned as a twin striker pair at the front.

Ulsan increased ball possession and sought a decisive strike. In the 35th minute of the second half, Jeong Seung-hyun, who rushed into the penalty area following Boyanich's surprise free kick, connected with a right-footed shot, but it was again saved by goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon. Lee Dong-kyung's follow-up shot, which connected with the loose ball, also missed the goal by a wide margin.

As the match approached its final stages, Ulsan's attack to secure an equalizer intensified. Finally, in the 37th minute of the second half, the effort bore fruit. Heo Yul connected with a header from Lee Jin-hyun's cross delivered from the left flank, shaking the Anyang goal net. The substitutes, who were brought on together in the second half, collaborated to create the goal. Heo Yul scored in two consecutive matches, following his goal in the GwangjuFC match.

Ulsan, having restored balance, did not relinquish initiative and even sought a go-ahead goal. Anyang also struggled to regain the lead through solid defense followed by counterattacks. However, neither team managed to score during the remaining regular time or the five minutes of added time. The match concluded as a 1-1 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.