Kim Dae-won strikes again! A spectacular winning goal leads to the 'Manager Derby,' with Gangwon securing a thrilling 1-0 victory over Incheon [Incheon On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Gangwon FC, powered by 'ace' Kim Dae-won's spectacular long-range strike, smiled in the 'Manager Derby.'

On the 2nd, Gangwon defeated Incheon United 1-0 in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 11 match held at Incheon Football Stadium. With this win, Gangwon avenged their previous loss to FC Seoul, successfully turning their momentum, and moved up to 4th place in the league with a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses (16 points).

In contrast, Incheon failed to achieve the expected three-game winning streak. Their recent unbeaten run of three matches also came to an end. With a season record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses (15 points), they dropped to 7th place in the league.

Before the match, a showdown between 'spear and shield' was anticipated. Incheon boasted league-top striker Mugoza, while Gangwon, tied for 1st place with the fewest goals conceded (9 goals), boasted a solid defense.

However, once the game began, the dynamics were completely different. Gangwon unleashed a total of 11 shots, threatening the opponent's goal. Their accuracy was high, with 6 shots on target. In contrast, Incheon managed only 2 shots, with none on target.

Once again, the hero of the winning goal was Kim Dae-won. In the 44th minute of the first half, he fired a cannon-like shot from a long distance, shaking the opponent's net. Kim Dae-won's performance this season has been extraordinary. He already received the second round MVP award of the season last month. In this match, he also scored a precious winning goal. This year, Kim Dae-won has recorded 4 goals.

This Gangwon-Incheon match was significant as the 'Manager Derby.' Incheon manager Yoon Jeong-hwan previously led Gangwon to a runner-up surprise in 2024 as their manager. Current Gangwon manager Jeong Kyung-ho served as the senior coach assisting Manager Yoon at the time. However, last year, Manager Yoon moved to Incheon and led the team to promotion to the first division. Manager Jeong took the official reins and maintained Gangwon's competitiveness.

Through this match, the two team managers faced each other for the first time, and with Gangwon's victory, Manager Jeong smiled.

Manager Jeong formed his starting lineup with forwards Choi Byung-chan, Ko Young-jun, midfielders Mo Jae-hyun, Lee Yu-hyun, Seo Min-woo, Kim Dae-won, defenders Kim Do-hyun, Lee Gi-hyeok, Shin Min-ha, Kang Jun-hyeok, and goalkeeper Park Cheong-hyo. Manager Yoon set his starting roster with forwards Mugoza, Ferrier, midfielders Lee Dong-ryul, Lee Myung-joo, Seo Jae-min, Lee Chung-yong, defenders Kim Myeong-soon, Park Kyung-seop, Juan Ibiza, Lee Ju-yong, and goalkeeper Lee Tae-hee.

Both teams engaged in a tense initial exploration phase. In the 17th minute of the first half, Mo Jae-hyun controlled the ball inside the penalty box, but the Incheon defense stepped in first to block the shot with their bodies. Incheon immediately launched a counterattack. After successfully defending, Incheon's Lee Chung-yong led the counter, but the final pass was intercepted by the opposing defense.

Subsequently, Gangwon took the offensive. In the 37th minute of the first half, they created a decisive chance through strong pressure in the opponent's half. Ko Young-jun, receiving a skillful pass from Seo Min-woo, attempted a sharp shot. However, the ball narrowly missed the goalpost. In the 39th minute, Choi Byung-chan's header shot was blocked by an amazing save from goalkeeper Lee Tae-hee.

However, in the 43rd minute of the first half, Gangwon took a 1-0 lead with Kim Dae-won's refreshing long-range goal. It was a right-footed shot that precisely found the far corner of the goal. Even goalkeeper Lee Tae-hee, who made super saves throughout the match, could not stop it.

Incheon, limited to zero shots in the first half, actively utilized substitution cards. They brought on the fast-footed Jersono, replacing Lee Dong-ryul. However, Gangwon tried to maintain momentum with Mo Jae-hyun's header shot. Later, Gangwon substituted in Kim Geon-hee and Abdullah for Ko Young-jun and Choi Byung-chan. Incheon also played a tactical gamble in the second half, 22nd minute, bringing on Jeong Ji-in for Mugoza.

However, Incheon's equalizing goal did not materialize. In the 31st minute of the second half, Ferrier fell in the penalty box, but the referee did not blow the whistle. In the final moments of the match, Lee Myung-joo's long-range shot narrowly missed the goalpost, leaving them with regret. Incheon's final attack also failed to connect with a goal. Ultimately, the match ended with a 1-0 victory for Gangwon.

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*This content was translated by AI.