Kim Dae-won strikes again! Spectacular winning goal → 'Manager Derby': Gangwon beats Incheon 1-0 [Incheon On-site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Gangwon FC smiled in the 'Manager Derby' thanks to 'ace' Kim Dae-won's spectacular long-range strike.

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 victory, Gangwon bounced back from a previous loss to FC Seoul, turned the tide, and moved up to fourth 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 games also came to an end. With a season record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses (15 points), they dropped to seventh 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 first place with the fewest goals conceded (9 goals), prided itself on its solid defense.

However, once the game began, the dynamics were completely different. Gangwon unleashed a total of 11 shots, threatening the opponent's goal. They also recorded six accurate shots, demonstrating high precision. In contrast, Incheon managed only two shots, with no accurate attempts.

Once again, Kim Dae-won was the hero of the winning goal. In the 44th minute of the first half, he fired a cannonball-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 four goals.

This Gangwon-Incheon match was significant as a 'Manager Derby.' Incheon manager Yoon Jeong-hwan previously led Gangwon to a runner-up upset as their manager in 2024. 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 fielded a starting lineup consisting of 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 lineup with forwards Mugoza, Ferrier, midfielders Lee Dong-ryul, Lee Myung-joo, Seo Jae-min, Lee Cheong-yong, defenders Kim Myeong-soon, Park Kyung-seop, Juan Ibiza, Lee Ju-yong, and goalkeeper Lee Tae-hee.

At the beginning, both teams engaged in a tense initial exploration. In the 17th minute of the first half, Mo Jae-hyun controlled the ball inside the penalty box, but Incheon's defense stepped out one step ahead and blocked the shot with their bodies. Incheon immediately launched a counterattack. After successfully defending, Incheon initiated a counterattack led by Lee Cheong-yong, but the final pass was intercepted by the opposing defense.

Subsequently, Gangwon took control of the attack. 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 powerful long-range goal. It was a right-footed shot that precisely found the far corner of the goal. Even Lee Tae-hee, the goalkeeper who made super saves throughout the match, could not stop it.

Incheon, limited to zero shots in the first half, actively used substitution cards. They brought on the fast-footed Jerso, 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's 22nd minute, bringing on Jeong Chi-in for Mugoza.

However, Incheon's equalizing goal did not come. 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 result in a goal. Ultimately, the match ended with a 1-0 victory for Gangwon.

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*This content was translated by AI.