* Translated by AI

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'Despite 22 shots...' Seoul E-Land held to a painful 1-1 draw by Paju Frontier thanks to 'Ryu Won-woo's spectacular saves'... Top-ranked Suwon trails by 3 points [Mokdong On-Site Review]

Updated:

Park Jaeho

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Lee Je-ho (left) and Park Chang-hwan. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Lee Je-ho (left) and Park Chang-hwan. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Park Jae-yong. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Park Jae-yong. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

Seoul E-Land displayed formidable attacking power but could only draw with Paju Frontier due to disappointing finishing.

On the 23rd at 7:30 p.m., Seoul E-Land drew 1-1 against Paju Frontier in their home match of Round 23 of the 'Hana Bank K League 2 2026' held at Mokdong Stadium.

After a seven-match unbeaten run (4 wins, 3 draws) following the World Cup break, Seoul E-Land moved up one spot to second place with 41 points (12 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses). They trail top-ranked Suwon Samsung by three points. Paju finished in 11th place with 25 points (7 wins, 4 draws, 11 losses).

Seoul E-Land deployed a 4-3-3 formation. The front three consisted of Park Jae-yong, Ahn Ju-wan, and Euler. The midfield trio was composed of Karius, Park Chang-hwan, and Baek Ji-woong. The back four included Bae Seo-jun, Osmar, Kim Oh-gyu, and Oh In-pyo. Goalkeeper Min Seong-jun wore the gloves.

Paju countered with a 5-3-2 formation. Borja Baston led the attack as the striker duo, supported by Lee Jun-seok, Choi Beom-kyung, and Yoo Jae-jun in the second line. The five-man defense consisted of Lee Min-ki, Bonilla, Hong Jeong-won, Kim Min-ho, and Noh Seung-ik. Ryu Won-woo guarded the goal.

Seoul E-Land shook Paju's net in the 6th minute of the first half but had to swallow their disappointment after an offside call was made. In a counterattack, Karius delivered a forward pass to Ahn Ju-wan, who sprinted into the left side of the penalty box. Ahn then passed centrally to Park Chang-hwan, who finished the play. However, after video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee ruled it offside.

Thereafter, Seoul E-Land took control and created scoring opportunities. In the 18th minute, Ryu Won-woo barely deflected a header from Park Jae-yong at close range, and the referee again called offside. In the 26th minute, Euler's powerful left-footed long-range shot was also saved by Ryu, who threw his body to block it.

Paju launched a rare counterattack. In the 30th minute, Lee Jun-seok dribbled past a defender on the left side of the box and sent a low pass toward goal, but goalkeeper Min Seong-jun anticipated it and blocked the path. In the 40th minute, Choi Beom-kyung's right-footed long-range shot was stopped by Min's spectacular save as he threw himself to make the stop.

Although Seoul E-Land dominated the match, they failed to score in the first half. In the 44th minute, Karius' well-timed right-footed shot was punched away by the goalkeeper, and Ahn Ju-wan's curling effort during added time was also blocked. The first half ended goalless at 0-0.

Karius (center). /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Karius (center). /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Paju Frontier players celebrating after scoring the opening goal. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Paju Frontier players celebrating after scoring the opening goal. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

Just 19 seconds into the second half, Paju struck. Baek Ji-woong lost possession under Lee Je-ho's pressing in Seoul E-Land's half. Baston immediately shot at the loose ball but was blocked. Lee Je-ho then took the rebound and scored, netting his second consecutive goal.

Desperate to respond, Seoul E-Land counterattacked. In the 10th minute of the second half, Euler delivered a cross from the right flank that Park Jae-yong connected with a header, but it was saved by goalkeeper Min Seong-jun.

After persistent pressure, Seoul E-Land finally equalized. In the 14th minute, Kim Hyun headed a cross into the box, which Ryu Won-woo blocked. The ball fell to Park Jae-yong, who pushed it in with his forehead to score. This marked Park's fifth consecutive game with an attacking contribution.

After the hydration break, Seoul E-Land continued their onslaught. In the 32nd minute, Euler's free kick into the box was saved by Ryu Won-woo. One minute later, Park Chang-hwan's header narrowly missed the target.

Seoul E-Land's attacks continued until the final moments of the second half. In the 39th minute, Kim Hyun's well-timed header from close range went over the crossbar.

No goals were scored during seven minutes of added time in the second half, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ahn Ju-wan (left) and Lee Je-ho. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Ahn Ju-wan (left) and Lee Je-ho. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Ryu Won-woo. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Ryu Won-woo. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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