* Translated by AI

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After unleashing 21 shots, they were left in tears by a single error! Coach Kim Do-gyun: "Baek Ji-woong made an inexplicable mistake... but he was playing the team game as intended" [Mokdong On-site]

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Park Jaeho

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Do-gyun, Seoul I'Land coach. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Kim Do-gyun, Seoul I'Land coach. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

Kim Do-gyun (49), head coach of Seoul I'Land, expressed his regret after a dominant offensive display ended in a draw.

Seoul I'Land drew 1-1 against Paju Frontiers in their 23rd round home match of the 'Hana Bank K League 2 2026', held at Mokdong Stadium on the afternoon of the 23rd at 7:30 p.m.

Seoul I'Land, which has gone unbeaten in seven matches since the World Cup break (four wins and three draws), moved up from third to second place with 41 points (12 wins, five draws, five losses). They are now three points behind first-place Suwon Samsung. Paju finished in 11th place with 25 points (seven wins, four draws, 11 losses).

Seoul I'Land unleashed a total of 21 shots and maintained overwhelming pressure throughout the match but failed to secure a victory due to a lack of clinical finishing. Despite taking control from the first half, they struggled to score as offside calls and excellent saves by opposing goalkeeper Ryu Won-woo repeatedly blocked their scoring opportunities.

Instead, just 19 seconds into the second half, an error in ball handling by Baek Ji-woong allowed Lee Je-ho to score the opening goal, putting Seoul I'Land on the back foot. Although Park Jae-yong equalized with a header in the 14th minute of the second half, the team continued their relentless attack until the final whistle but ultimately failed to take the lead.

After the match, Coach Kim Do-gyun did not hide his disappointment during the press conference. He stated, "We controlled the game but ended up with a draw. We conceded a goal due to an inexplicable mistake by Baek Ji-woong in the second half." He added, "I hope the players themselves realize how much a single mistake can impact both the result and team morale."

Park Jae-yong. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Park Jae-yong. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

However, regarding the overall performance, he said, "It's not that we failed to execute our intended style of play. We carried out our game plan well, but luck didn't favor us in front of goal, and opposing goalkeeper Ryu Won-woo made some excellent saves."

Regarding Kim Hyun-e, who contributed to the equalizing goal shortly after being substituted on, he said, "We asked for crosses due to his height, and they landed perfectly as soon as he came on. Although he is likely most disappointed himself given his recent lack of goals, I hope he overcomes this challenge on his own and regains his confidence."

To the goal-scorer Park Jae-yong, Coach Kim Do-gyun offered both criticism and encouragement. He remarked, "He was barely visible in the first half and appeared to be out of form, but he performed much better in the second half. Since we trust him to score, I hope he takes on greater responsibility even when he feels physically challenged."

Finally, Coach Kim Do-gyun concluded, "We will quickly forget today's result and prepare for the remaining 10 matches. In football, even against lower-ranked teams, objective superiority does not always guarantee victory. We will prepare more focusedly for our next game."

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

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*This content was translated by AI.

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