"Just score goals," Cha Du-ri's stern words took effect... Explosive 6 goals in 2 matches → Hwaseong rises as a promotion contender, now "already in 3rd place"

*This content was translated by AI.

Cha Du-ri, 46, head coach of Hwaseong FC, delivered an accurate diagnosis. As he coldly pointed out the team's problems, the players immediately responded with goals. Hwaseong's previously stifling attack power exploded. With victories piling up, the team confidently rose as a promotion contender.

On the 22nd, Hwaseong secured a dramatic comeback victory over Chungbuk Cheongju in an away match at Cheongju Sports Complex in the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 13. Trailing 1-2, Hwaseong scored consecutive goals in the final moments of the second half to turn the match around. With the thrilling win, Hwaseong extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches (5 wins, 2 draws) and continued its upward momentum.

Although Hwaseong has been on a fierce run this year, there were still regrets even within the unbeaten record. A representative example was the home match against Suwon FC held on the 9th. At that time, Hwaseong dominated the game's flow but failed to secure a win. Despite several decisive scoring opportunities, the only goal was a lucky first-half opener created by strong pressure in the 30th minute. Ultimately, Hwaseong conceded an equalizer in the 44th minute of the second half and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Head coach Cha Du-ri did not hide his disappointment. After the Suwon FC match, he repeatedly emphasized, "It was a very regrettable result. We must score goals. It's not that we failed to create chances. But we need to dominate opponents 1-0, then 2-0, then 3-0. To achieve our desired goals, we need finishing ability." This was a recurring issue. Previously, Hwaseong had missed scoring opportunities on several occasions, letting go of chances to break opponents down earlier.

However, after Cha Du-ri's diagnosis, Hwaseong changed as if by magic. The team won both subsequent matches with convincing performances. On the 17th, Hwaseong hosted Busan IPark, then the league leader, and won 3-2. Taking a 2-0 lead early on, Hwaseong built momentum. Although they later conceded a 2-2 equalizer, they remained composed. In the 28th minute of the second half, Petrov scored the winning goal from a corner kick situation, completing the victory. This was the first time Hwaseong scored three goals in a single match this season.

Having found a way to score, Hwaseong once again defeated Chungbuk Cheongju 3-2. The match showcased their sharpness and concentration. Trailing 0-1, forward Flana scored an equalizer with a left-footed shot. Although Hwaseong fell behind again 1-2, they did not give up. In the 35th minute of the second half, Petrov connected with Demetrius's cross with a header, leveling the match.

The ending was even more dramatic. In the 11th minute of stoppage time in the second half, Petrov once again emerged as the hero. From a corner kick, he scored a dramatic winning goal with a high header, shaking the net. Ultimately, Hwaseong secured another 3-2 victory, completing back-to-back wins with three goals each.

Hwaseong quickly accumulated points and has now climbed to 3rd place in the K League 2 (6 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses, 22 points). Although head coach Cha Du-ri previously emphasized that "current standings do not matter," Hwaseong's surge this season clearly appears extraordinary. The team is now worthy of being mentioned as a surprise promotion contender.

The attack power issue that worried Coach Cha Du-ri has also been resolved. Hwaseong has scored 19 goals this season, ranking 5th overall in the K League 2. Compared to the Suwon FC match, the team has completely transformed. With Petrov, the league's top scorer, leading with 7 goals, the synergy between Demetrius and Flana is also improving. Additionally, Jeol Jae-min is contributing to the attack. Jeol scored in the Busan match and provided an assist in the Chungbuk Cheongju match, adding momentum to the team's upward trend.

Of course, there are still challenges. Although Hwaseong scored 6 goals in the recent two matches, they also conceded 4. To continue competing at the top, a solid defense is needed again. However, the fact that the attack Coach Cha Du-ri long awaited has finally begun to flow is a clearly positive signal. The Cha Du-ri ship, whose goal-scoring doors have opened, is shaking up the promotion race landscape.

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*This content was translated by AI.