The K League 2 action is coming thick and fast with more midweek matches to look forward to as the 2024 season reaches Round 14.
Match of the Round
Jeonnam Dragons (2nd) vs. Chungbuk Cheongju (8th), Tue. 21st May - 19:30
Three wins on the spin have propelled Jeonnam Dragons up to second in the table. Eight goals scored in those three matches means Jeonnam have 19 goals for the season, the same number as league leaders FC Anyang - the joint-third highest. Chungbuk Cheongju, meanwhile, are on a curious run of form at present having drawn their last four in a row. The Lions are unbeaten in seven in the league but will be wanting to turn draws into wins, particularly as Choi Yun-kyum's men sit just outside the playoff places. A win at Dragon Dungeon this Tuesday could move them into the top five, while a victory for the Dragons would ensure second spot remains theirs until at least the weekend.
Only four points separate the two teams but Chungbuk Cheongju will be looking to improve in front of goal, having the joint-lowest goal tally so far with just nine. But the Lions don't concede many and have the joint-best defensive record in the division with just 10 goals conceded - the same number as FC Anyang. Chungbuk Cheongju will prove to be a tough nut to crack for Jeonnam, despite the latter's fire-hot run of form.
The first meeting between the two teams this season ended in a 1-0 Cheongju win, Yun Min-ho with the game's only goal but was then sent off in second-half stoppage time. Last season, Jeonnam picked up two 3-0 wins at home and Chungbuk Cheongju won 3-1 in the only home meeting with their South Jeolla counterparts last year.
Team of the Round
Busan IPark (vs. Cheonan City, Wed. 22nd May - 19:30)
A crucial away win over Seongnam FC last time out has Busan IPark third in the table, just a point behind Jeonnam in second. A Bruno Lamas goal in first-half stoppage time was enough to seal the points but goalkeeper Koo Sang-min played a vital role too having saved a Leonardo Ruiz spot kick. Busan's away form is impressive, having earned 16 from 18 points available on the road this season. What Park Jin-sub's men want to do, however, is to improve their home form. Busan have won just once at home in the league this season, a 2-1 victory over Ansan Greeners at the tail end of April. Visiting the Asiad Stadium this Wednesday is Cheonan City, the side that sits second-bottom of the table, and one which Busan beat earlier in the campaign by four goals to two.
Player of the Round
Eduvie Ikoba, Seoul E-Land (vs. Bucheon FC 1995 - Tue. 21st May, 19:30)
Seoul E-Land striker Eduvie Ikoba has hit a rich vein of form, having scored six goals in his last six matches. This has moved the American up to second in the league's goal chart. A total of 27 shots is enough for him to sit seventh in K League 2 in that regard, and 15 on target is the joint-third best. Only teammate Bruno Silva has managed most shots from inside the box than Ikoba so far this term. Up next for Ikoba and Seoul E-Land is the visit of Bucheon FC 1995, a side that won at Big Bird last time out.
K League 2 Round 14 Fixtures
Tuesday 21st May
#SEFCvBUC: Seoul E-Land (5th) vs. Bucheon FC 1995 (7th) - 19:30
#JDFCvCHFC: Jeonnam Dragons (2nd) vs. Chungbuk Cheongju (8th) - 19:30
#CAFCvSSB: Chungnam Asan (9th) vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (4th) - 19:30
Tuesday 21st May
#BUSvCCFC: Busan IPark (3rd) vs. Cheonan City (12th) - 19:30
#GYEvANS: Gyeongnam FC (11th) vs. Ansan Greeners 13th) - 19:30
#GFCvSFC: Gimpo FC (6th) vs. Seongnam FC (10th) - 19:30
Watch all matches on TV.KLeague.com.
